Mankato, MN – The University of Mary couldn't overcome a horrific shooting performance as the Marauders eight game win streak was snapped 52-49 at Minnesota State University on Mavericks free throws in the final minute of play.

The loss cost the Marauders, 12-4 overall and 9-3 in the Northern Sun, the opportunity to move into first place in the conference. Augustana upset conference-leader Wayne State College today, allowing Augie to move into a first-place tie with Wayne State at 9-2. Minnesota State (12-3, 8-3) is a win behind third-place U-Mary.

The Marauders shot an excruciating 17.5 per cent (11-of-63) from the field and failed to make a three-point shot in 17 attempts. The shooting percentage is the worst for a U-Mary team since beginning Northern Sun play in 2006-07. It is also the first time the Marauders have failed to connect on a trey during the same period of time. The Mavericks weren't much better, connecting on just 24.6 per cent of their field goal attempts (17-of-69), including a 3-of-17 effort behind the arc.

Free throws kept the Marauders in the game. U-Mary went 27-of-33 at the line while MSU went 15-of-19.

Linda Murray keyed another strong defensive effort for the Marauders. The 6-2 junior post blocked eight shots in the game, a U-Mary record during the school's NCAA membership. Murray also pulled down seven rebounds.

For just the second time this season, U-Mary was outrebounded as MSU held a 46-39 edge on the glass.

With time running out in a closely contested contest, Jameila Hudnell snapped a 48-48 tie with one minute left in the game when she made two free throws to give the Mavericks the lead. The two gift tosses proved the difference in the contest.

With plenty of time left in the game, U-Mary had opportunities to even the game. A shot by Kaitlyn Haag misfired but Lindsey Sand pulled down the rebound and was fouled. The U-Mary sophomore made her first attempt with 41 seconds left but couldn't get the second to fall.

Trailing by one, Ali Collins would steal the ball back for the Marauders but she couldn't convert on the offensive end. Minnesota State's Abrey Davis rebounded the U-Mary miss and was fouled with seven seconds remaining. Davis then knocked down both free throw attempts for a 52-49 lead.

Forced to take a deep three to even the game, the Kayla Schmidt effort at the buzzer fell short.

Kaitlyn Haag led the Marauders with 11 points, the second straight game the reserve forward paced the U-Mary attack. She also corralled seven rebounds. Collins led the team with 11 rebound and three steals while chipping in nine points. Sand scored nine and Laura Petersen added eight points and seven rebounds.

Jennie Noreen led four Mavericks in double figures, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 boards. She also had five assists before fouling out. Davis scored 11 and Hudnell and Laura Weber each contributed 10 points.

The Marauders continue their three-game road trip at Northern State on Saturday, January 21.

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