Oilers Open Season With 20-Point Win at Wayne State
Detroit, Mich. – The University of Findlay women's basketball team opened up their season against Wayne State for the second consecutive season and, after losing in overtime to the Warriors a season go, earned a 20-point win on Friday, Nov. 9. Findlay used big second and third quarters to cruise to a 71-51 victory to start their season with a 1-0 record while the Warriors fall to 0-1 to kick off their campaign.
The game looked like a barn burner early on as the teams exchanged leads three times in the first quarter, a quarter that ended with the home team on top 22-19.
Senior Anna Hintz came alive in the second period, scoring 12 of the Oilers' 21 points in the quarter to help lead the Orange and Black to a 40-34 lead at the break.
That narrative continued in the second half for Findlay as the visitors tightened their grip defensively, allowing just seven points in the third period and just ten in the fourth to seal the 20-point victory in the season-opener.
Findlay outshot the Warriors, making 26-of-63 (.413) from the floor while holding the Green and Gold to just 19-of-61 (.311). Neither team shot well from deep as both finished below 30% from deep. The Oilers had a 46-to-38 advantage on the glass and forced 16 turnovers while coughing it up just 12 times of their own.
Anna Hintz, a second team all-region player a season ago, had a monster debut as she poured in 25 points, her 14th career 20-point game, on 10-of-20 from the floor including 5-of-6 from the charity stripe. The 6-2 forward collected her 16th career double-double as she was also the team's leading rebounder with 14 boards. Hintz added a pair of assists, three steals, and a game-high three blocks to round out what was a stat-stuffer of a first game.
Senior Lauren Ruth, who missed much of last season with an injury, came out with a good season-opener as well, scoring 15 points on the strength of 4-of-9 from beyond the arc. She also pulled in six rebounds. Senior Jenna Stegmaier also had six rebounds for Findlay. The Garfield Heights, Ohio native also had six rebounds and chipped in four points and three assists, as well.
Senior Allie Thobe set a new career-high with six assists in the win and added three rebounds and four points to help the Oilers in a winning effort.
Findlay is now off until Wednesday, Nov. 21 when they take on Urbana University in the 2018-19 home opener in Croy Gymnasium. That game will tip at 5:30 pm.