Findlay, Ohio- Heading into the day, the University of Findlay women's basketball team was on the outside looking into the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Tournament. Sitting ninth in the standings, with just eight teams making the tournament, each of the Oilers' final games became a must win. They did just that today, Feb. 24, against the Hillsdale College Chargers, winning by a score of 61-57. With the win, the Oilers moved into a tie for eighth in the conference standings with a 14-12 on the season and 10-8 in conference play. Meanwhile, Hillsdale falls to 15-11 on the year with a 11-7 mark in the league.

The Oilers jumped out to an early 7-2 lead in the first quarter but Hillsdale went on a run of their own to bring the score back within two as the first ten minutes expired. The second quarter saw back-and-forth action as neither team took more than a five point lead. Findlay held the advantage heading into the half at 32-31.

In a game that saw twelve different lead changes, the third quarter was no different, until the four minute mark. With the score at 42-41 in favor of the visiting team, the Oilers shutdown the Chargers scoring the final eight points of the quarter to take a nine point lead heading into the final ten minutes.

Senior Kate Ellis hit a three-pointer to open up the fourth quarter to give Findlay their largest lead at twelve. However, Findlay would remain scoreless for the next eight minutes. Still leading by four, a three-pointer by the Charger's put the game within one with 30 seconds remaining. Hillsdale was forced to foul, leading to 3-of-4 from the charity stripe to give Findlay the four point win. 

On the day, the Oilers hit 23-of-56 from the floor (41.1%), including 5-of-20 (25.0%) from three-point range. Meanwhile, Hillsdale hit 21-of-60 (35.0%) from the floor and 9-of-28 (32.1%) from three. The Oilers won the battle on the glass, out rebounding Hillsdale 41-31.

The Oilers were led by sophomore Alyssa Ziehler who recorded 14 points in the win. She was 7-of-14 from the floor while grabbing eight rebounds. Ziehler also had three blocks.

Senior Kate Ellis chipped in 12 points while grabbing five rebounds. Senior Lauren Hapgood, who was honored before the game, recorded nine points and two assists.

With a stacked G-MAC race, the Oilers now enter the mix for the conference tournament. With just two games remaining in the regular season, Findlay will head to Hillsdale on Thursday, Feb. 29 before wrapping up their season at #1 Ashland on Saturday, March 2.