Franklin women pick up second straight win

The Franklin College women’s basketball team won its second straight game, defeating Wilmington College 63-61 at the Damon’s/Hampton Inn Tip Off Classic on Saturday.

The Grizzlies defeated No. 19-ranked NCAA Div. III DePauw University 57-55 on Nov 20.

Junior Lauren DeSutter scored a game-high 23 points on nine field goals. Senior Katie Brewer recorded her second double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Wilmington (1-2) led 57-54 with 4:03 left in the contest before the Grizzlies mounted a late rally. A three-point play by DeSutter gave Franklin a 58-57 lead with 2:33 remaining.

The Quakers regained the lead, 59-58, on their next possession after Brittaney Jefferson made two free throws. A layup by sophomore Kelsey Smith gave Franklin the lead for good at 60-59 at the 2:04 mark.

Two free throws by junior Kayle Comer extended the margin to three points, 62-59, with 1:18 left.

With time winding down, DeSutter split two free throws to keep Franklin ahead 63-61 with seven seconds left. Wilmington’s Brittaney Jefferson missed a game-tying jumper just before the buzzer.

Wilmington jumped out to a 14-7 lead seven minutes into the contest and held a 17-8 first-quarter lead. The Grizzlies started the second quarter on 17-2 run to take a 25-19 lead after a jumper by DeSutter at the 5:45 mark. Later, a free throw by junior Sarah Fisher gave Franklin a 28-21 lead with 3:51 left in the first half.

Leading 31-28 at the break, the third quarter featured five lead changes. A three-point field goal by freshman Mattyson Robison gave Franklin a 46-41 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Franklin pushed its lead to 52-43 with 7:17 left after a jumper by DeSutter.

Wilmington went on a 15-3 run over the next five minutes to take a 57-55 lead with 2:41 remaining.

Franklin returns to action Saturday Olivet College (Michigan).