MILWAUKEE – Tonight at the Bloechl Center, visiting Finlandia University defeated Mount Mary University 66-39. It gives the Lions their first win of the season as they move to 1-18 (1-0) while making the Blue Angels 2-11 (0-1).
The Lions attacked from the opening tip. Firing away and going 7-of-20 from the field in the first quarter, with 2-of-6 from 3-point range, Finlandia continued to put the pressure on the Blue Angels offense. MMU took care of the ball in the first committing only two turnovers, but the 3-of-16 from the field gave the 16-9 lead to the Lions after one.
In the second frame, Finlandia attacked from three as they made 7-of-12 from outside. MMU forced four turnovers, but could not close the gap.
The hot shooting from Finlandia continued into the third quarter. Hitting 7-of-14 from the field, the Lions pulled away. MMU came fighting back in the fourth outscoring Finlandia 13-9.
"We were frustrated tonight because we feel like we are doing a lot of things right. We are just struggling hitting our shots. We took just as many good shots as them, they just did not fall." Head Basketball Coach Marc Heidorf continued, "It is tough because we are close, but we just need to hit some shots."
Four of the seven active Lions scored in double figures, Brooke Turin led with 16 points. Teammate Julia Daavettila recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Blue Angel Becky Onan (So./Grafton, Wis.) recorded a double-double of her own with 12 points and 12 rebounds. However, Jess Runge (Jr./Freedom, Wis.) led the team in scoring with 15 while also adding four steals.
Coach Heidorf was very impressed with the play of his guard recently, "…Jess has strung together two really good games in a row, it will be fun to see if this trend continues."
After tonight, the Blue Angels will head to Chicago this Saturday to square off against Moody Bible Institute. Tipoff is set for 1:00 pm on Sat. Feb. 6. Get all post-game coverage at mtmaryathletics.com.
