FOND DU LAC, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – The Marian University women's basketball team held its own in the second half against 21st-ranked UW-Stevens Point, but the Pointers proved too tough as they went on to the convincing 69-43 victory inside Sadoff Gymnasium, this evening, Nov. 26.

The Sabres held an early 5-0 lead before the Pointers went on a 19-0 run that gave the hosts all it could handle. The Sabres shot over 52 percent in the second half and was able to cut the deficit to nine points with over 11 minutes left, but the UWSP's Jenna Pitt helped build the margin back up with her game-high 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-9 from three-point range. Meanwhile, Marian's Sarah Olewinski tied a career-high with 12 points on 5-for-8 from the field.

The Sabres fell to their fourth straight WIAC opponent to open the season, while the Pointers improved to 4-1 on the season.

A three by Jessica Roberts, who made her first collegiate start, followed by an Olewinski layup gave the Sabres a quick 5-0 lead less than two minutes into the contest. Marian maintained after senior captain Dani Huray connected from downtown to make it 8-6.

However, a 19-0 run ensued for the nationally-ranked Pointers and the Sabres weren't able to recover. Marian shot just 22.2 percent (6-for-27) in the first half and endured an eight-minute scoring drought before freshman Molly Kovarik knocked down a three with 8:24 remaining in the first half to make it 25-11.

Marian was able to put together an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 25-16, but the stifling Pointer defense held the Sabres scoreless for the final 6:20 to take a 31-16 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, the jump shot came to life for the Sabres, who went 10-for-19 from the field, including 4-of-9 from three-point range. However, the suffocating UW-Stevens Point zone defense gave Marian few open looks down the stretch, holding the Sabres to just two points in the final 8:21.

The Pointers scored 20 points off 20 Marian turnovers on the night and outscored the Sabre bench, 24-8.

The Sabres turn around following the holiday and play host to Dominican University in the conference opener this Saturday, Nov. 30. Tip-off is slated for 4:15 p.m. following the men's game at 2 p.m.