RIVER FOREST, Ill. (SabreAthletics.Com) –- The Marian University women's basketball team took on fifth place Concordia Chicago on the road today in an NACC match-up with a chance to clinch the final seed in the tournament. The game was tied at 77 with over three minutes remaining, but the Sabres were unable to grab the lead late as they fell to the Cougars 91-83.

It was a strong shooting performance for the Sabres (12-12, 8-11 NACC) on the night as they shot over 43 percent from the field. Sarah Olewinski scored a game-high 22 points for the Sabres as she went 8-of-14 shooting from the field in 27 minutes of action.

The Sabres jumped out to an early 5-point lead, but it was back and forth action in the first half as the two teams traded off the lead six times.

The Cougars (14-10, 11-8 NACC) shot 50 percent in the half and were able to gain a five point lead going into halftime. The Sabres shot just under 43 percent as a team in the half as Nicole Paulus and Courtney Klister led the team with 9 points each.

The Sabres were able to fight back in the second half and regain the lead just over five minutes in off a layup by Sarah Olewinski. Nicole Paulus gave the Sabres their highest lead of the night just under 12 minutes in on a made free throw as the Sabres led by nine.

Momentum was erased by the Cougars as they went on a 9-point run to even the game at 74. Sarah Olewinski put the Sabres back on top by one with a free throw shot, but the Cougars took control of the game in the final five minutes as they outscored the Sabres 16-to-9 to come away with the victory.

The Sabres are holding on to a one-game lead over the Aurora Spartans going into their final game of the season against Concordia Wisconsin on Tuesday, Feb.17. The Sabres can clinch the final spot with a win over the Falcons or a Spartan loss to Alverno. Action starts for the Sabres at 7 p.m.