Box Score Sioux Falls, SD – The University of Mary women's basketball offense roared back to life as four players cracked double digits in scoring but victory escaped the Marauders in a hard-fought road contest. Playing at Augustana, the second place team in the Northern Sun, third place U-Mary fell on the short side of the 77-72 decision.
 
Despite two weekend road losses to the top two teams in the NSIC, Wayne State and Augustana, the Marauders will retain sole possession of third place in the conference standings with two weeks to play. U-Mary is 15-8 overall and 12-7 in the conference with three home games remaining on the schedule. Augie is 19-4 and 16-3.
 
A close contest throughout, the Marauders found themselves trailing 74-66 and 3:20 left in the game. Kayla Schmidt hit a three and a Lindsey Sand free throw cut the deficit in half and 2:28 remaining.
 
Looking to close the gap, U-Mary missed three shots and committed a turnover before two free throws by Laura Petersen pulled U-Mary within 74-72 with only 16 seconds remaining.
 
Immediately fouling Shaunteva Ashey, the Marauders had a chance to even the game after she made just one of two free throw attempts. U-Mary couldn't take advantage and turned the ball over without getting off a shot and four seconds on the clock. Ashley then connected on two free throws to finish off the Marauders chances.
 
One night after Linda Murray was the lone Marauders player to reach double figures in points when she poured in a career-high 29 at Wayne State, the junior forward was joined by three teammates in double digit scoring.
 
Murray posted 17 points and snared nine rebounds to lead U-Mary in both categories. One of the top shot blockers in the NSIC also added two rejections. Pedersen made all seven of her free throws and scored 15 points. She also had seven boards. Lindsey Sand came off the bench to score 13 points. Perfect from the field in five field goal attempts, Shaunna Knife paired 11 points and seven rebounds.
 
Alex Feeney led all players with 29 points for Augie. She also had eight rebounds. Emily Schulte had 13 points and three assists. Ashley ended with 10 and four assists.
 
The Marauders begin a three-game home stand to close out the regular season when U-Mary hosts Concordia University – St. Paul on Friday, February 17.
 
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