John Carroll has had trouble in the past when playing in Columbus against the Capital Crusaders, having not won there since 2014. 

While the Blue Streaks were finally able to leave town with a win, it once again was not easy.

John Carroll got off to a strong start against Capital, opening the game with a Dani Carlson three and using it to spark a 10-2 run in the first six minutes of action.  The last few minutes were a defensive battle, but a layup by Shelby Ford at the buzzer gave the Blue Streaks a 14-6 lead at the end of the first.

The second quarter started with each team trading buckets throughout the majority of the period.  Near the end of the quarter, the Blue Streaks were able to gain a little more separation as they went into the half up 30-19 over the Crusaders.  Freshman Kaelyn Underwood had some key plays in the quarter as she scored five points in the second quarter to keep John Carroll in the lead.

At the half, Carlson lead all players in scoring with eight points on 3-4 shooting, including making both of her three-point attempts.  The Blue Streaks had the advantage in shooting efficiency, making 36.6% of their shots while holding the Crusaders to only 26.9% from the field, including making only 1-8 from three point range.

John Carroll picked up right where they left off at the start of the second half, matching Capitals offensive production until a 4-0 run keyed by Abby Adler, who had an assist and a layup, which forced a Capital timeout.  It was at that point that the Blue Streaks enjoyed their largest lead of 15 points at 38-23.

But this game was in Bexley, and even a 15-point lead is not safe.

Capital answered the bell after the timeout and went on a 10-2 run to end the quarter, cutting the deficit to seven heading into the fourth quarter.

John Carroll entered play today with just three all-time wins against Capital on the Crusaders' home floor in 36 tries, and to earn a fourth, it would require every second of effort over the final ten minutes. John Carroll led 49-41 with just under three minutes remaining in regulation when Capital began to chip away. While JCU struggled to put the game away (0-4 at the free throw line, one missed field goal, one turnover in the final two minutes), the Crusaders hung around and closed to within two points on a Elli Wactman lay-up with 33 ticks left.

The Crusaders had two looks at a game-tying or game-winning basket, but could not convert as time expired.

Leading the way for the Blue Streaks (13-2, 7-1 OAC) on offense was Nicole Heffington, who scored 12 points while also gathering five rebounds and two steals.  Carlson was the only other player for the Blue Streaks in double figures, as she had 11 points and made both of her threes.

Capital (8-7, 3-5 OAC) was led offensively by Cassidy Bosch's 11 points.

The Blue Streaks shot 37.5% from the field and 27.3% from three while holding Capital to 33.3% shooting from the field and 23.5% from three.  The Blue Streaks also won the rebounding battle over the Crusaders, 40-37. 

John Carroll will now return home to take on the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets, the first matchup between the top two teams in the OAC.  Tip-off is at 7 PM on Wednesday, January 22.