FOND DU LAC, Wis. - Marian University women's basketball (3-10, 2-6 NACC) was able to fend off Edgewood College late to defeat the Eagles 55-48.

Edgewood jumped out on the Sabres early in the first quarter to take the first lead at 6-2. The Sabres would respond and tie the game at 8 off a layup from sophomore Sarah Schultz. Throughout the rest of the quarter both sides would trade baskets with the Eagles holding the slim 13-12 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Eagles momentum would carry over into the second quarter as they capitalized on two Sabre turnovers expanding their lead to 20-14. Marian would answer back, however, and tie the game at 22 off of a three-pointer from freshman Brianna Koopman with under two minutes left to cap off an 8-2 run. The Eagles fought the Sabre momentum and came away with a 24-22 advantage heading to the break.

Marian came out of halftime with energy on both sides of the ball.  Marian claimed their first lead of the game since early in the first quarter at 26-24 to open the quarter. The next few minutes the Sabres and Eagles traded baskets with the lead growing no bigger than two for both sides. The game would head to the final quarter all knotted at 38 apiece.

The Sabres opened the quarter fast connecting on five of their first six offensive positions to take the lead, which they would never relinquish. The Eagles chipped away at the Sabre lead but in the final minute Marian was able to seal the 55-48 victory from the free throw line going 5-8 from the charity stripe in the final minute.

The Sabres were led offensively by senior Nicole Paulus who nearly finished the day with a double-double collecting 15 points and eight rebounds. Junior Brandi Bender added 13 points and six assists, while freshman Carley Wilson nabbed 10 rebounds.

Marian will head on the road against Dominican University Saturday, Jan. 14 with a 2 p.m. tip.

--FightBlueFight--