RIVER FOREST, Ill. - A big third quarter from Dominican was too much for Marian University women's basketball (3-11, 2-7 NACC) as the Sabres fell by a final score of 62-54.

Dominican started out the game hitting back-to-back three-pointers on their first two possessions of the game to claim a 6-3 lead. Marian would retaliate, however, closing the Star lead to 8-7. Marian took their first lead of the game off a layup from freshman Brianna Horton forcing a Dominican timeout. The following minutes Marian and Dominican would trade baskets with the Stars claiming a 14-13 lead.

Marian and Dominican continued to trade baskets throughout the second quarter with Marian holding a 26-25 lead at the two-minute mark. Marian beat the buzzer for the second time in the game as they would take a 29-27 lead into halftime.

Dominican came out of halftime with energy on the offensive side of the ball scoring 12 unanswered points forcing a Sabre timeout. Out of the timeout, Marian would close the gap to five at 48-43 with one quarter left to play.

In the final quarter the Sabres were able to hang tight with the Stars but were unable to draw close enough leading to the 62-54 final.

Senior Nicole Paulus led the way offensively for the Sabres with 20 points and five rebounds, while junior Brandi Bender chipped in 15 points.

Marian will welcome Concordia Wisconsin to Sadoff Gym Wednesday, Jan. 18. for a 7 p.m. tip.

--FightBlueFight--