APPLETON, Wis. - Marian University women's basketball (0-2, 0-0 NACC) dropped a thriller to Lawrence in the final seconds with a final score of 51-48.

The Vikings were able to start out the game fast jumping out to a 13-4 lead, an advantage they were able to take into the first break of the game. 

The second period would prove to be all Sabres as MU would outscore Lawrence 12-2 in the quarter.  Senior Nicole Paulus would lead the way in the quarter with six points as the Marian defense held Lawrence to shooting 1-19 (.053) from the field.

The big defensive quarter for Marian allowed the Sabres to enter the half with a 26-22 lead, but Lawrence responded in the third quarter.  The Viking defense would hold Marian to 2-10 (.200) shooting from the field and forced seven Marian turnovers as Lawrence was able to retake the lead at 35-31 entering the fourth quarter.

A three-pointer from freshman Brianna Koopman cut the deficit to one at 37-36 before Lawrence extended the lead back out to 44-38.  From there Marian was able to hit a pair of big three-pointers as part of a quick 9-4 run that put MU down 48-47.  Then with only 11 seconds remaining freshman Carley Wilson would hit a free throw that tied the game at 48-48.  In the final seconds, however, the Vikings would manage to sink a three-pointer and a late desperation shot from Marian was off target to put the final at 51-48.

Marian once again held an advantage on the glass outrebounding Lawrence 52-42.  The Vikings were able to force 19 Sabre turnovers, however, that translated into 14 points, where Marian was only able to score three points off turnovers.

Paulus and Wilson led the way for MU with Paulus scoring a team-high 18 points to go with nine rebounds and five assists, while Wilson scored 10 points and recorded nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

Marian opens NACC play next when they travel to Concordia Wisconsin for a 2 p.m. tip Saturday, Nov. 26.

--FightBlueFight--