FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – Senior forward
Alexis Becker scored a season-high 28 points, but it wasn't enough as the Marian University women's basketball team fell in Northern Athletics Conference cross-divisional action to visiting Dominican University, 76-66, inside Sadoff Gymnasium this afternoon, Feb. 4.
Becker scored 22 of her 28 points in the second half. All 28 came from inside the arc or at the free throw line as she went 11-for-20 from the field and 6-for-9 from the charity stripe. It was her highest scoring output since dropping 33 points in a loss to Dominican last season, nearly one year to the day, back on Feb. 5, 2010.
The Sabres trailed for the majority of the contest, falling behind by 12 before cutting it to four at the half. It was a one point, 60-59, deficit for the Sabres with just 5:04 remaining. However, Marian went cold from the field and Dominican converted its free throws down the stretch to secure the win. The Stars were 23-of-36 from the free throw line, while the Sabres managed just 27 trips, converting 18 attempts.
The Stars improve to 14-7 overall, 10-4 in the NAC, while the Sabres fall to 12-9 (8-7 NAC).
Sarah Albert was the only other Sabre in double-figures, scoring 13 points on 3-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-4 from three-point range.
Alyssa Pyscher added nine points in 22 minutes off the bench as well.
The Stars were led by Sarah Budz and Kayla Blom, who each poured in 20 points apiece. Budz turned in a game-high 13 rebounds as well to finish with a double-double, while Dominican dominated the boards, holding a 39-22 advantage on the glass in the end. Ashley Oliver and Magdalena Kaminska also reached double-figures with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Dominican was issued an administrative technical before tip-off due to not having its starters submitted prior to the mandated 10-minute mark. Albert converted both free throws to give the Sabres an unordinary 2-0 lead with still 20:00 on the first half clock.
Marian will travel to Edgewood College this Tuesday, Feb. 7, in a 7 p.m. tip-off in Madison.
