VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia - The Virginia Wesleyan University women's basketball team defeated the WildCats of Randolph College 59-43 on Saturday afternoon on Senior Day in TowneBank Arena in Virginia Beach, VA. The Marlins move to 3-6 on the season and 2-4 against ODAC foes while Randolph falls to 1-5 and 1-5. 

INSIDE THE SCORE
The game began with the Marlins getting on the scoreboard first with a layup by S'Zahria Jones. Jones added three more points off a free throw and a jumper giving VWU a 5-2 lead with 5:34 remaining in the first. Adaje Williams added another two points to give VWU a 7-2 lead with four minutes to play but the WildCats responded with a 5-0 run to knot the score at seven all. Jones got the final basket of the quarter in before the horn giving the Marlins a 9-7 lead heading into the second period.

Randolph took a one-point lead 13-12 on a free throw by Maggie Walton with 6:42 to play. The Marlins regained the lead on a layup by Williams that spurred an 8-0 run putting VWU back in the lead, 20-13 with 5:03 left in the half. The WildCats responded with 9-2 run of their own to knot the score once again, 22 all, with 2:08 on the clock. Williams gave Virginia Wesleyan a two-point advantage after converting both free throws, but back-to-back baskets by Randolph put the WildCats up by one, 25-24, at the halftime horn.

VWU came out of the half with a 5-0 run following a layup by Williams and a three-pointer by Bianca Atkinson to lead 29-25 after the first minute of action resumed. The WildCats again tied the score at 29 all following a jumper by Kylie Stark but the Marlins regrouped to take a six-point lead, 35-29, as the clock neared the six minute mark. RC put up a basket pulling within four, 35-31, but VWU answered with five points to go ahead 40-31. Randolph added the last basket of the third quarter at the 2:15 mark as the teams headed into the final quarter with the Marlins leading by seven, 40-33.

The Marlins opened the fourth with an 8-1 run during the opening four minutes to take a 14-point lead, 48-34, with just over six minutes left to play. The WildCats closed the lead to 11, 50-39, following a 5-2 run over the next two minutes. VWU answered by putting in a quick five points to take a 16 point lead, 55-39, with three minutes to play. As the time ticked away Randolph put in six points while Virginia Wesleyan added four more increasing the final score to 59-43 with the Marlins winning at home on senior day.

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN LEADERS
The Marlins were led by S'Zahria Jones with 19 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Adaje Williams put up a quiet 18 points and brought down 12 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. Jessica Jennings and Bianca Atkinson each added nine points with Atkinson added seven rebounds. Senior Danielle Lehner added 11 rebounds in the game.

RANDOLPH LEADERS
The WildCats were led by Kylie Stark with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and six steals. Jasmin Williams added seven points as the next highest scoring WildCat.

KEY MOMENT
The key moment of the game came in the fourth quarter when the Marlins when on an 8-1 run during the opening four minutes to take a 14-point lead, 48-34. The lead was too great for the WildCats to overcome and ultimately ended with a Marlins win. 

UP NEXT
The Virginia Wesleyan Marlins will return to action on Thursday, Feb. 25, when they travel to Eastern Mennonite for a midweek ODAC contest. Tip off is set for 7 PM between the Royals and the Marlins in Harrisonburg, VA. Per ODAC policies, no fans will be allowed in the game so fans can follow the game here.   VIDEO