BISMARCK, ND – An absolutely dominant effort in the third quarter by Lexi Schneider powered the University of Mary women's basketball team to a 70-54 Northern Sun victory over visiting University of Minnesota Crookston. Schneider scored 18 of her game-high 26 points in a decisive third period that allowed the Marauders to pull away from the Golden Eagles.
 
Leading by two at intermission, the Marauders outscored the Golden Eagles 23-13 in the third frame. UMary ended the third with a 46-34 advantage as Megan Zander hit a fast break bucket seconds before the quarter break.
 
Despite growing their advantage to 14 points early in the fourth quarter, the Marauders couldn't shake the Golden Eagles. Minnesota Crookston closed the deficit to 57-53 before Mariah McKeever took over the final minutes. The UMary guard delivered eight of the Marauders first ten points during a 13-1 run to close out the win.
 
A stellar first half by Bergan Kinnebrew and strong defensive effort led the Marauders to a 23-21 lead at the half. The freshman guard scored 13 of her career-high 15 points to carry the UMary offense. The Marauders blocked seven shots in the first half alone with Addison Rozell rejecting three on her own.
 
Schneider generated her fourth double double of the season with 26 points and 15 rebounds. Those totals tied her season-high in both categories. The senior post drained all eight of her free throws and was 9-of-18 from the field. She also chipped in three blocks and two steals.
 
Kinnebrew hit all four of her free throws and was 5-for-7 from the floor.
 
McKeever also reached double figures with 10 points while also making all four of her free throws.
 
The Marauders dominated the Golden Eagles defensively, blocking 12 shots while holding a 61-44 edge in rebounding. Rozell led the way with four blocks and Zander added three. Moriku Hakim snared 11 boards in just 14 minutes of play.
 
Additionally UMary (4-5 overall, 2-1 NSIC) held UMC (5-5, 2-2) to a shooting percentage of 26.2%, including a 1-for-17 effort on treys.
 
UMary finished the game 21-of-26 at the line.
 
The Marauders return to action at Highway 83 rival Minot State University on Saturday, December 9. Tip off is slated for 3:30 pm at the Minot State Dome in Minot, ND. The women's basketball game is the middle contest in a tripleheader of rivalry games between the Marauders and the Beavers. UMary plays Minot State in men's basketball at 1:30 pm before the 5^th ranked Marauders wrestling team takes on the Beavers at 6:30 pm, all in the Dome.
 
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