NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Saint Mary's College Basketball defeated Franklin College in a head to head contest on Wednesday night, 75-74. The Belles improve on the year 3-2 while the Grizzlies

Saint Mary's ended the first quarter leading the Grizzlies by eight points at the break. Sophomore Kate Restovich (Wildwood, MO) got out to a hot start as she went 4 for 4 from the field and 3 for 3 from three point in the first quarter alone. The Belles as a team shot 64% from the field in the quarter.

The second quarter finished with the Belles taking a commanding lead heading into the half, 44-24. Belles led the Grizzlies in field goals going 16-25 (64%). With Restovich having a huge contribution going 7 for 7 with five three pointers to finish the half with 20. 

Both teams went back and forth in the third, as Franklin would outscore Saint Mary's, 26-20, cutting into the Belles lead before continuing their comeback in the fourth. Senior Julia Schutz (Dyer, IN) and sophomore Annie Restovich (Wildwood, MO) combined for 12 of the Belles' points in the quarter while Saint Mary's would go a perfect 6 for 6 from the free throw line.

The Belles played physical through the fourth quarter with the Grizzlies taking the lead with 6:12 left to play. Franklin kept the lead until 4 seconds were left on the clock, with junior Nicole Connolly (Mokena, Ill.) grabbing a rebound off a missed attempt and putting it back in as time expired.

Five Belles would finish in double-figures while Kate Restovich finished the night with a career high 24 points, going 5 for 7 from the three range. Annie Restovich would add 12 points while Schutz and Connolly would contribute 11 each. Freshman Ella Notaro (Crystal Lake, IL) would add 10 off the bench. Schutz and freshman Kate Passinault (Grand Rapids, MI) would grab a team and game high eight rebounds each while Connolly would grab five. Connolly would also lead the game with five assists.

UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES

Saint Mary's heads to Lisle, IL to take on Benedictine University on Saturday afternoon at 2pm EST. The Belles come back home to face Anderson University on Tuesday the 26th at 7pm to finish off November.