FOND DU LAC, Wis. - Marian University women's basketball (1-3, 0-1 NACC) defeated Maranatha Baptist to claim their first win of the 2016-17 season by a final of 61-45.

The Sabres leaped out on the Sabercats early in the first quarter with some hot shooting and Maranatha turnovers.  Marian would stretch their lead to eight heading into the second quarter and were able to grow the lead to as large as 11 heading into halftime.

The third quarter started similarly with hot shooting from the Sabres and Marian being able to continue to force Sabercats mistakes. The Sabres lead would grow to 15 off of a jump shot from sophomore Molly Magnus with the Sabre offensive surge continuing into the fourth quarter.

MU would close out the game strong outscoring Maranatha 17-12 in the fourth quarter en route to the 61-45 win.

Marian would force 18 turnovers and out-rebounded the Sabercats 50-35. The Sabre defense also stingy as they held the Sabrecats to 22-60 (.367) shooting from the field and forced 18 MBU turnovers which translated into 19 points.

Senior Nicole Paulus led the offense for the Sabres with a team-high 17 points, while Magnus and freshman Brianna Horton each chipped in 13 points.  Five different Sabres pulled down five or more rebounds led by Magnus who narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds.

Marian will continue their home stand Saturday, December 3 as they return to NACC play against Benedictine University with a 2 p.m. tip-off.

--FightBlueFight--