CHESTER, Pa. – Madison Ireland scored seven of her season-high 17 points in overtime as the Widener University women's basketball team rallied from a double-digit first half deficit to beat Rowan 85-76 on Saturday afternoon
 
Trailing 67-63 with just more than six minutes remaining, Widener went on a 9-2 run, opening a 72-69 lead with the Pride hitting all three of its field goal attempts as well as a trio of free throws in the span. A technical foul gave Rowan new life, as they scored five in a row to take a two point lead. A minute later Kyra Schenk netted the final points of regulation as the teams went to overtime tied at 74-74. In the extra session, Ireland took over, scoring seven points in OT including a pair of three-pointers to help the Pride seal the win.
 
After the Profs got off to a hot start, taking an 18-9 lead, Widener went on a 6-0 run, capped by an old-fashioned three-point play from Schenk, slicing the lead to three. An even remainder of the period, helped by six total Pride free throws in the frame gave Rowan a 23-20 lead after 10 minutes. An early second quarter spurt allowed the Profs to extend the advantage to 11 by the midway point of the frame. Dueling runs ensued before WU scored nine of the final 11 points of the half, making it 43-40 Rowan at intermission.
 
Widener got the third quarter started the right way, posting the first two buckets of the frame while forcing a pair of Profs turnovers, taking its first lead of the afternoon. The two teams remained on the seesaw for the final portion of the half with a layup by Schenk as time expired giving the Pride a 61-60 lead heading to the final frame.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
Ireland added eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals, playing all 45 minutes.
Schenk led Widener with a career-high 21 points, pulled in nine rebounds, and had three blocks.
Devan Rimmer added 16 for the Blue and Gold.
Jordan D'Ambrosio posted a career-best 13 points.
The Pride committed just 14 turnovers in the game against a Rowan team that was forcing more than 30 a game entering the contest.
WU held the Profs to 1-for-11 shooting in overtime.
 
UP NEXT
Widener has a quick turnaround, making the short trip to Aston, Pa., taking on Neumann on Tuesday, November 26. Tipoff from the Mirenda Center is slated for 6:00 p.m.