FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – Two double-digit first half runs helped propel the Marian University women's basketball team to its fifth Northern Athletics Conference win in its last six tries as it defeated visiting Benedictine University , 67-61, this afternoon, Jan. 14.
The Sabres used a 10-0 run to start the game and another run of 11-0 before halftime to build as many as an 18 point lead in the opening stanza. The Sabres shot 40.4 percent (21-for-52) and knocked down 10 three's, while going 15-for-17 at the free throw line to secure a home conference victory.
With the win, Marian improves to 10-6 overall, 6-4 in the NAC, while Benedictine falls to 4-11 (1-7 NAC).
Sarah Albert made five of her six shots, including a 4-for-4 effort from the three-point line, to lead three Sabres in double-figures with 14 points.
Alexis Becker notched 13 points and a team-high six rebounds, while
Dani Huray added 11 points.
Marian never trailed in the contest, though allowed BenU to pull to within two points in the final minute. Each time the Eagles made a run, the Sabres always had an answer.
Leading 61-53, the Sabres looked poised to put the finishing touches on a very solid win, but the Eagles had one final run in them. They scored six straight points to cut the deficit to 61-59 after a Megan Novak layup. However, Albert responded with her fourth three of the game to make it a five-point contest.
BenU's Tracey Walsh scored 10 of her game-high 22 points in the first half, going 10-for-10 at the free throw line in the contest. Teammate Katie Hunzinger added 13 points and a game-high seven boards.
The Sabres will host division rival Lakeland College this Wednesday, Jan. 18. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.
