Notables
-Cieluch surpasses 400 career rebounds
-Points in the Paint: CSS-30, FU-12
-The Saints forced 28 turnovers
HANCOCK, Mich. (
csssaints.com) – The St. Scholastica women's basketball team led the entire first half, but were unable to maintain the lead through the third quarter as it fell to Finlandia University 61-57 on Wednesday night.
The Action
The Saints made quick work of the Lions (3-14) in the first minute of the game thanks to
Alison Huber (Ashland, Wis./Ashland HS (Hibbing CC)) and
Kaylee Kennedy (Littlefork, Minn./Littlefork-Big Falls HS) who combined for a 7-0 run. After, scoring slowed down for the Saints, but never ceased. They were able to gain a 20-8 advantage over Finlandia after just one quarter of play.
In the second quarter, scoring was much more back-and-forth. With about six minutes left in the half, the Lions hit back-to-back three-pointers to bring them within five. The Saints were able to respond with a couple points of their own before Finlandia went on a 5-0 run to close out the half. However, the Lions would still trail by four.
Coming out of halftime, the Saints struggled to put a stop to the Lions' offense which was able to produce a 13-2 run to gain their first lead of the night. With around three minutes left of the third quarter, St. Scholastica was able to draw a couple fouls that converted into points to keep them in the game. Additionally,
Michala Walther (Roseville, Minn./Concordia Academy) was able to contribute with a couple layups before the quarter ended to cut the Lions' lead. The Saints went into the final quarter trailing 50-42.
The Lions were the first to score in the fourth with a three-pointer, but shortly after the Saints went on a 10-3 run of their own to bring them within four with four minutes left to play. In the final minute of the match-up, the Saints were trailing 60-53 before Kennedy sunk a three-pointer followed by a free throw from
Danielle Cieluch (Duluth, Minn./Duluth East HS). Needing the possession back, the Saints were forced to foul, giving the Lions one more point with 16 seconds left. Out of a timeout, the Saints were able to get a couple shots off, but they fell just short. Finlandia took the game 61-57.
Top Performers
Kennedy had a game-high 18 points and three assists.
Mariah Pearson (Blaine, Minn./Blaine HS) added 13 points, while Cieluch tallied a team-high 11 rebounds.
Top Performers for the Opponent
Harlee Froberg had 17 points for the Lions. Mariah Austin had 12 rebounds and Taylor Pertile had five assists.
Up Next
The Saints (2-11) will travel to St. Bonifacius to compete against Crown College on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.
