FOND DU LAC, Wis. - Marian University women's basketball (3-12, 2-8 NACC) hung tough to open the game but a second half push from Concordia Wisconsin was too much in a 69-42 loss.

Both teams came to play early in the first quarter with both sides trading baskets. Concordia would take an early 7-5 lead, but the Sabres would answer with a layup from sophomore Brandi Bender. Concordia gained the advantage going into the second quarter at 17-14.

In the second quarter, the Falcons jumped out on the Sabres 20-16. Marian would not go away quietly as a pair of Sabre free throws would cut the Falcon lead at 28-23. Concordia would sink all of their free throw attempts in the quarter and take a 34-25 lead into the intermission.

The Falcons began to pull away in the third quarter starting the period with three straight layups forcing a Sabre timeout. Out of the timeout, Concordia would add to their lead with a 10-0 run to end the quarter at 50-32. The Falcons lead would be too great for the Sabres to mount a comeback as they took the victory 69-42.

The Sabre offensive front was led by senior Nicole Paulus who finished the day with 16 points. Senior Molly Kovarik came off the bench to chip in 11 points for MU.

Marian travels to Aurora Saturday, Jan. 21 for a 2 p.m. tip to open up a quick two-game road trip.

--FightBlueFight--