Junior forward Aby Diop scored a game-high 13 points and added 10 rebounds to lead the University of Mary Washington women's basketball team to a 53-29 win over Wesley College on Saturday afternoon at the Anderson Center in Capital Athletic Conference action. Eleven different players scored in a balanced attack for UMW.
The Eagles started strong, running up an 14-1 lead in the opening 5:45 of of play. Sam Partonen made the first two baskets in the run, and after layups from Diop and Aubrey howland, Erin Drumheller and Emily Piazza followed with three pointers. UMW kept the lead between 12 and 14 for the remainder of the half, leading 27-13 at halftime.
The Eagles maintained the defensive pressure in the second half, limiting the Wolverines to 16 points. A 9-0 run by the Eagles in the final 6:10 put the game away, as Brieneke Matthes scored a pair of baskets in the run.
Mary Washington shot 37% for the day (23-62), making four three pointers and finishing 3-6 from the free throw line. Wesley was 12-54 for the game (22.2%) with no three pointers and 5-9 from the line. UMW led in rebounds, 48-39, and caused 20 Wesley turnovers.
Diop was 6-11 from the floor and 1-3 from the free throw line. Piazza scored a career-high nine points including going 2-2 on three point attempts. Wesley was led by Jazmine Miller's 11 points.
The Eagles will return to action on Monday night when they visit Roanoke College at 5:00 p.m.