GRANVILLE, Ohio – No. 7 Denison Women's Basketball captured the NCAC regular-season title for the first time since the 2015–16 season with a thrilling 72–70 win over No. 9 Ohio Wesleyan on Saturday at Livingston Gymnasium. The victory also marked Denison's first win over the Battling Bishops since the 2019–20 season, improving the Big Red's record to 24–1 overall and 13–1 in conference play, while Ohio Wesleyan finishes 20–4, 11–3.

First Quarter: Denison got off to a fast start, building an early lead behind strong paint play and contributions from multiple scorers. Ada Taute opened the scoring for the Big Red with a layup, and Brooke Toigo and Morgan Kress added key baskets to extend the advantage. Ohio Wesleyan stayed close, hitting points in the paint and knocking down a 3-pointer to keep the Bishops within striking distance. Denison's defense forced turnovers and secured rebounds, allowing fast-break opportunities, including a highlight layup by Toigo. Despite a late surge from OWU, Denison closed the quarter ahead 15–12.

Second Quarter: The Big Red maintained control early in the second quarter, stretching their lead to as many as eight points behind three-pointers from Violet Mitchell, Abby Cooch, and Brooke Toigo, along with strong finishes around the rim from Cooch and Katie Neuhart. Ohio Wesleyan fought back steadily, scoring in the paint and hitting jumpers to keep the Bishops within single digits. Ohio Wesleyan capitalized on free throws and quick baskets. By halftime, the game remained tightly contested, with Denison holding a narrow 34–30 lead.

Third Quarter: Denison came out of halftime firing, quickly extending their lead with Cooch and Taute scoring in the paint and a key 3-pointer from Cooch. Ohio Wesleyan kept the pressure on, hitting jumpers to stay within a few points, but the Big Red maintained control with strong inside play and timely 3-pointer from Mitchell. Taute and Cooch continued to lead the charge, converting fast-break opportunities and finishing around the rim. Denison held a 55–51 advantage heading into the fourth quarter, keeping momentum firmly on their side despite a late push from the Bishops.

Fourth Quarter: The final quarter was a back-and-forth thriller, with neither team giving an inch. Ohio Wesleyan opened strong, using fast-break layups to briefly tie the game multiple times. Denison responded with key baskets from Taute, Cooch, and Mitchell, including several fast-break finishes and free throws that kept the Big Red ahead. The lead changed hands repeatedly in the final two minutes, with Taute and Mitchell converting crucial buckets and tip-ins. With 4 seconds left, a final layup from Taute sealed a 72–70 victory for Denison, clinching the NCAC regular-season title and marking their first win over Ohio Wesleyan since 2019–20.

Key Performers: 

• Ada Taute led the Big Red with 22 points, going 9-of-18 from the field, adding 9 rebounds, six assists, and a block. 

• Abby Cooch tallied 18 points with five rebounds and two assists. 

• Brooke Toigo, coming off the bench, contributed 11 points (3-of-5 FG, 2-of-3 3PT), three rebounds, and three points from the free-throw line. Her shooting, including a clutch three-pointer. 

• Violet Mitchell added 10 points on efficient 4-of-6 shooting, hitting both of her three-point attempts and pulling down seven rebounds.

• Anelly Mad-toingué recorded 10 rebounds, along with four points, three assists, and three steals.