Notables
-Time with the lead: CSS-39:27, UNW-00:12
-Walther and Kennedy each scored 20 points
-UNW attempted eight more shots than CSS in fourth quarter
DULUTH, Minn. (
csssaints.com) – The St. Scholastica women's basketball team conceded a layup with 0.6 seconds remaining to fall 63-62 to conference rivals University of Northwestern (Minn.) at Reif Gymnasium Saturday afternoon. The loss eliminates CSS from UMAC Tournament contention.
How it Happened
The Eagles (10-12, 8-6 UMAC) opened the scoring with a layup, but 10 seconds later CSS scored a 3-pointer to make it 3-2 and to take the lead, which they would hold onto until the final second of the game. By the end of the first quarter, the Saints had increased their lead to eight points at 18-10.
In the second quarter, the Eagles would cut the Saints' lead to just one point on two separate occasions, but CSS was able to rebound on both occasions and closed the half on a 16-4 run to take a 38-25 halftime lead.
Kaylee Kennedy (Littlefork, Minn./Littlefork-Big Falls HS) had nine points during that span.
The teams traded baskets for much of the third quarter and the Saints lead had been reduced to eight points by the end of the quarter. The Eagles had started to eat into the Saints lead even further into the fourth quarter and had reduced it to just one point with 2:28 remaining.
In response,
Michala Walther (Roseville, Minn./Concordia Academy) sunk a 3-pointer to increase CSS' lead to four, but Northwestern added a layup and a free throw to cut it back down to one point with 1:30 remaining. St. Scholastica and Northwestern then missed jump shots on the next three possessions, setting up the Eagles with a sideline inbounds with three seconds left.
Brooklyn DeKam would get the ball at the top of the key and penetrate toward the hoop and make a layup, while getting fouled with 0.6 seconds left. She missed the free throw to run the clock out and give the Eagles the 63-62 victory.
Top Performers for CSS
Walther and Kennedy led in scoring with 20 points each. Walther also led in steals with four.
Danielle Cieluch (Duluth, Minn./Duluth East HS) led in blocks with four and rebounds with 11.
Top Performers for UNW
Rio Landers led the Eagles in scoring with 18 points. Brooklyn DeKam had 12, all of which coming in the fourth quarter. Landers also led in rebounds with 13.
Up Next
The Saints (6-15, 5-9 UMAC) have their last road game of the regular season on Wednesday against Northland College at 5:30 p.m.
