Box Score

SWARTHMORE, Pa. – Elle Larsen scored 28 points and junior Jessica Jowdy hit a clutch shot in the waning seconds to lead the Swarthmore College women's basketball team to a thrilling 70-68 win over Widener on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Tarble Pavilion.
 
Jowdy first had an opportunity to put the Garnet ahead by four and potentially ice the game when she had a 1-and-1 free throw opportunity in the final minute, but her shot missed and was rebounded by Brianna Wylie. Ally Ferrucci then came back the other way and canned a 3-pointer to tie the game at 68-all.
 
But following a Swarthmore timeout, Jowdy received the inbounds pass in the backcourt and drove in herself to provide the game-winning bucket in the final seconds. After missing the ensuing free throw, Widener was unable to get a good look and the Garnet hung on for the win.
 
Swarthmore (3-5) started the game on fire, netting the first eight points less than four minutes in and 13 of the first 15. Larsen got the scoring started on the team's second possession, and sophomore Maggie O'Neil capped the stretch with five straight points on a jumper and 3-point field goal.
 
Widener (3-5), however, stormed back and was able to tie the game at 17s on a 3-pointer by Allison Gallagher. After Larsen made a layup to put the Garnet back ahead, the Pride continued their comeback and answered with seven straight to move ahead 24-19 at the midway point. Swarthmore, however, quickly recovered and went into the recess up 39-38.
 
The Garnet had control for most of the second half, which featured three ties and two lead changes, and built their lead up to eight at 54-46 on a Jowdy jumper following a steal by freshman Bridget Scott. Widener then answered and went ahead by four when Julia Venturelli made a 3-pointer that gave the Pride a 61-57 edge with 3:55 left.
 
But Swarthmore once again had an answer and responded with eight straight points to take the lead for good. Jowdy later provided the heroics to give the hosts the two-point win.
 
Larsen netted a game-high 28 points by shooting 10-of-15 from the field and 8-of-9 from the line. She also had four blocked shots. Jowdy netted a season-high 18, while O'Neil contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
 
Gallagher led four Widener players in double figures with 14 points while also grabbing eight boards. Venturelli scored 11 off the bench, and Kristina Reiter and Wylie contributed 10 apiece. Ferrucci dished out seven assists.
 
Swarthmore will break for final exams and will next compete at the NYU Tournament against the host school on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 4 p.m.