LOS ANGELES, CA – Facing their first ranked opponent of the season, the University of Mary women's basketball was up to the challenge, bringing #12 West Texas A&M down to the wire. The Marauders took the lead immediately and did not relinquish it until the 2:14 mark in the fourth quarter. The Buffs were able to hold onto the lead until the very end, taking the Marauders down by one, 58-57. The Marauders five starters combined for all 57 of UMary's points with Cassie Askvig (20), Macy Williams (14), and Lauren Rotunda (11) all scoring in the double figures.
 
FIRST HALF BREAKDOWN
The Marauders stormed out to a dominant first half behind 16 points by Cassie Askvig. The Marauders took the lead from the tip and did not let the Buffs come back during the first half. UMary outscored West Texas A&M by nine in the first quarter. The Marauders built their lead up to 14 points in the second quarter, but the Buffs rallied together a 10-0 run to bring the game back within reach for them. A jumper by Lauren Rotunda off of an assist by Macy Williams in the final seconds of the first half sent UMary to intermission with a seven point lead.
 
SECOND HALF BREAKDOWN
UMary was able to build their lead back up to 11 with 1:41 remaining in the third quarter but a 7-2 run by WT brought the game within six heading into the final quarter. The Marauders held onto their lead up until 2:14 left in the matchup when the Buffs claimed their first lead of the game. West Texas A&M took their largest lead of three with just 18 seconds left in the game. UMary turned to sharpshooter, Coral Gillette to even the score. With just four seconds left, Gillette pulled up for three, drawing a foul. Gillette would head to the line for three from the charity stripe. After knocking down the first two, Gillette missed the third but Askvig grabbed a rebound and attempted a put back attempt as time wound down. The Buffs Megan Gamble would block the shot, ending the Marauders hopes of a big upset over the nations #12 team.
  
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Cassie Askvig had 20 points and eight rebounds
 
Macy Williams posted 14 points, four assists, three rebounds, and a steal
 
Lauren Rotunda recorded 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block
 
Lexie Schneider had seven points, nine rebounds, and two assists
 
Coral Gillette posted five points, four assists, and a steal
 
TEAM STATS
Field Goal Percentage:
UMary 36.7%
WTAMU 40%
Three Point Percentage:
UMary 35%
WTAMU 20%
Free Throw Percentage:
UMary 75%
WTAMU 61.1%
Points Off Turnover:
UMary 8
WTAMU 15
Points In Paint:
UMary 36
WTAMU 20
Bench Points:
UMary 0
WTAMU 38
 
UP NEXT
The Marauders will head to Alva, Oklahoma next weekend for a pair of games. UMary will battle Central Oklahoma on Friday, November 8 at 12 PM. They will follow that up with another noon matchup on Saturday, November 9 against Northeastern State.
 
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