FOND DU LAC, Wis. - Marian University women's basketball (2-9, 1-5 NACC) was unable to comeback after a slow start against conference foe Lakeland University falling by a final score of 54-34.

Lakeland jumped out fast with a 6-0 run to start the game. The Muskie defense held fast forcing five Sabre turnovers in the first quarter and controlled the lead heading into the second quarter 10-2.

In the second quarter, Marian would close the gap to nine points off of a jump shot from junior Brandi Bender.  Cold shooting from the Sabres, however, would allow the Muskies to re-extend their lead out to 25-9 heading into halftime.

Coming out of the break Marian made another run backed by the shooting of senior Nicole Paulus who connected on four three-point shots.

Lakeland was able to gain the advantage opening the fourth quarter, however, hitting back-to-back three-point shots to open the final stanza. Marian would get as close as 13 but the Muskie lead would be too great for the Sabres falling by a final score of 54-34.

The Marian three-point defense once again put together a strong performance holding Lakeland 5-23 (.217) shooting from beyond the arc.

Paulus led the way offensively for MU with a game-high 24 points giving her back-to-back games scoring 20 or more. Freshmen Carley Wilson and Molly Magnus would each grab seven rebounds in the loss.

Marian hits the road to face Concordia Chicago Saturday, Jan. 7 for a 2 p.m. tip.

--FightBlueFight--