MILWAUKEE – As the weekend's doubleheader concludes, visiting Andrews University defeated Mount Mary University 52-46 today at the Bloechl Center. After this loss, the Blue Angels move to 2-8 on the year while the Cardinals move to 6-7.
For the second straight evening, the Blue Angels won the first quarter out-scoring Andrews 10-9. MMU forced the outside shot for the entire frame as the Cardinals struggled to hit from distance. By the end of the first 10 minutes AU made 1-of-9 from 3-point territory.
Coming out in the second quarter, the Blue Angels shot 3-of-15 from the field and finished the frame 1-of-7 from beyond the arc as they tried to get their outside shot started. Andrews narrowly won the second hitting 5-of-14 leading to a 20-19 Cardinals lead at the half.
Starting the second half the Blue Angels continued to attack the rim, and were fouled eight times in 10 minutes. Shooting 7-of-12 from the free throw line and holding the opposition to just two field goals in the third, the Blue Angels grabbed a two point lead heading into the final quarter.
The Cardinals tied it up early in the fourth and then took a quick five point lead. The Blue Angels fought back to make it 40-39 AU, but with time winding down MMU had to intentionally foul to save the clock. The Cardinals scored 11 of their 22 fourth quarter points via the charity stripe where they shot 11-of-13 on their way to the win.
"One of those nights where shots didn't fall." Head Basketball Coach Marc Heidorf added, "I was happy with our execution. We put ourselves in a position to succeed. We do that often enough the wins will come."
"Give them credit. They kept us at arm's length at the end by hitting their free throws."
Rebekah Gaine led the Cardinals with 14 points. Teammate Shawntell Rachel pulled down a game high 23 rebounds, 11 of which were on the offensive side.
Becky Onan (So./Grafton, Wis.) led the game with 15 points and four blocks. Onan also led the Blue Angels with 11 rebounds.
As she tries to steal the Great South Athletic Conference steals per game crown, Jess Runge (Jr./Freedom, Wis.) swiped four steals. Runge also dished out six assists while scoring 12 points for her team.
The Blue Angels have a quick turnaround as they head to Manitowoc, Wis. to face Silver Lake for the first time this season. Tipoff is set for 7:00 pm at the UW-Manitowoc gym, live stats will be available at mtmaryathletics.com.
