SIOUX FALLS, SD – A virtuoso performance by Lexie Schneider led the University of Mary women's basketball team to a program-best second-place finish in the Northern Sun as UMary (20-10, 16-6 NSIC) pulled away from Augustana University for a 72-54 road win over the Vikings.
The Marauders recorded their first 20-win season since the 2019-20 season with the win. UMary also put up the most NSIC conference wins in program history with 16 as the previous record was 15 several times, a mark last reached in the 2019-20 season.
With the second place finish, the Marauders earn a bye and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2024 NSIC tournament at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD, on Saturday, March 2, at 7 pm. UMary will take on the winner of the St. Cloud State University-Minot State University opening round matchup set for Wednesday, February 28.
This is the Marauders third straight trip to the NSIC quarterfinals.
Schneider showcased why she's the NSIC's leading scorer and rebounder, posting her 14
th double-double of the season with 32 points and 12 rebounds. The Appleton, WI, native shot 8-of-17 from the field and 16-of-17 from the free throw line.
Mariah McKeever posted 16 points while grabbing six rebounds. McKeever shot 2-of-3 from three and a perfect 6-of-6 from the line.
Megan Zander scored 10 points and brought down five rebounds.
Ryleigh Wacha recorded eight points and seven rebounds while shooting 3-of-5 from the field.
Addison Rozell didn't score but grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds while dishing out five assists.
The Marauders posted an 18-8 lead after the first quarter. The Vikings closed the gap in the second quarter, cutting UMary's lead to 28-25.
The Marauders regained control in the third quarter as UMary took a 45-36 lead going into the final quarter. The Marauders went 16-for-20 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter to help secure a 72-54 win.
UMary shot 38.6 percent from the field while shooting 3-of-10 from three. AU recorded a 30.4 field goal percentage from the field while shooting 2-of-20 from three due to a stifling Marauders defense.
UMary went 25-of-30 from the free throw line, while the Vikings went 10-of-13 from the charity stripe. The Marauders won the rebounding battle 48-37 over AU.
#marauders#
