LISLE, Ill. - Saint Mary's College Basketball fell to Benedictine University on Saturday afternoon, 57-55. The Belles fall to 3-3 on the year while the Eagles improve to 2-1.
Saint Mary's got out to a slow start in the first quarter, shooting just 23% from the field as Benedictine led after the first ten minutes, 16-7. Four Belles got on the board while three led with two points each.
The Belles would battle back in the second quarter, outscoring the Eagles 22-14, to go into halftime trailing just 30-29. They would go on a 15-6 run in the quarter to tie the game at 22 before the Eagles would squeak ahead going into the break. Seniors Julia Schutz (Dyer, IN) and Lauren Gumma (Troy, MI) led Saint Mary's with nine and seven points respectively.
Both teams would play evenly in the third quarter with Benedictine slightly adding to their lead after 30 minutes of play, 44-42. Saint Mary's would outshoot Benedictine 36% to 33% in the quarter but it was an extra field goal made and a couple of free throws that put the Eagles on top going into the final quarter. Both Schutz and Gumma moved into double-digit points with 14 and 11 respectively.
The teams continued to go back and forth throughout the fourth quarter as they traded baskets. But it was Benedictine that was able to hold on and secure their two point victory over Saint Mary's. The Belles would outshoot the Eagles 50% to 33% in the quarter, but the Eagles would take twice the amount of free throws to help propel their victory.
Schutz would lead the game with 15 points while Gumma would add on a career-high 13 points. Junior Nicole Connolly (Mokena, IL) would tack on nine points while all nine Belles that touched the floor would score. Schutz would also grab a game high eight rebounds while Gumma, Connolly, and freshman Ella Notaro (Crystal Lake, IL) would each grab five. Sophomore Kate Restovich (Wildwood, MO) would lead the game with three assists while Notaro would snag an incredible four steals.
Saint Mary's would outshoot Benedictine in all facets of the game, 40% to 32% in field goals, 44% to 14% in three point attempts, and 72% to 63% from the free throw line. Benedictine would grab one more rebound than Saint Mary's, 38 to 37, and would force the Belles to eight more turnovers.
UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES
Saint Mary's returns home on November 26 as they host Anderson University for a 7pm tipoff before the Thanksgiving Holiday Break. The Belles will then go on the road for four straight games starting on December 7 in the MIAA opener at Calvin University.