WYOMING, Mich. -- Mount Mary University lost their first game of the Grace Bible Classic at the Aldrich Athletic Center. Host Grace Bible College won the match-up against the Blue Angels 76-45.
Another slow start got the best of the young MMU roster. Three minutes into the half the Tigers led 7-4. A 3-pointer sunk by Abby Schultz, began a 17-4 run for Grace Bible. A rough stretch, MMU shot 24.2 percent from the field to begin the night, and went into halftime down 38-20.
Previously this season, the Blue Angels had trouble getting things going against the Tigers early, but came out of the locker room with an effective high pressure defense and shot better from the field. The rematch was the much of the same. The Blue Angels forced seven turnovers in the second, and brought their FG percentage up to 30. MMU also went 9 of 10 from the charity-stripe in the final 20 minutes.
The rookie class again provided the Blue Angels with their offensive production, Chrisandra Freeman (Fr./Cedar Rapids, Iowa) scored 22 points and pulled down 5 rebounds. Jasmine Meyer (Fr./Lansing, Kan.) shook off her 1 for 9 start from the field in the first, and finished with 11 points and a team high nine rebounds.
With only six active players on the trip for the Blue Angels, they knew the final road games would be difficult. The Tigers were also down a bit, only playing seven in the entire 40 minutes.
"Being undermanned at this point in the season is not ideal obviously. To their credit, Grace pushed the pace and was able wear us down."
Coach Marc Heidorf is hopeful the young team can bounce back for the finale of the classic.
"We have played back-to-backs three times now. We know the drill. Re-focus, re-energize, and execute tomorrow to earn a split of the weekend. "
The Blue Angels will get some rest, and get ready for a quick turnaround as they play Kuyper College next. MMU will continue the Grace Bible Classic with a noon tip-off Saturday Feb. 7th.
