McPherson, Kan. – On Saturday, McPherson College hosted the University of Saint Mary Spires for an afternoon conference matchup. The Bulldogs headed into the contest looking for a win after a season low 39 points in their most recent loss against Tabor. The Spires were in a similar boat after allowing a season high 104 points in their mid-week contest against Evangel.
The Basics
Location: Holman Fieldhouse
Score: MC 61, USM 90
Records: MC 6-5 (KCAC 1-4), USM 6-4 (KCAC 3-1)
How it Happened
Maizen Gillam opened the game with a three pointer after the Spires came up empty on their first possession, and
Dana Parker followed with a layup to push the Bulldogs ahead 5-0. Saint Mary answered quickly, rattling off the next nine points to take control, a lead they would hold for the remainder of the night. The Bulldogs managed just six points the rest of the first quarter, going 4 of 14 (28.6%) from the field, 1 for 3 from deep, and 2 for 4 from the stripe. Meanwhile, the Spires shot 55.6% in the period, recorded seven assists, and turned the ball over only three times compared to McPherson's seven.
The second quarter played out much more evenly, with both sides posting 17 points.
Raeghan Borman and
Kenya McCain paced the Bulldogs with four points each, while Borman added an assist and block in the period. Saint Mary wasn't nearly as sharp offensively in the frame, committing seven turnovers and shooting just 30% percent from the field and 33% from deep, both dips from their first quarter numbers. Although the scoring was even in the second quarter, the Spires carried a 46-28 advantage into halftime thanks to their dominant opening period.
McPherson turned in its strongest offensive quarter in the third, putting up 21 points on 42% shooting and converting 63% from the line, while committing just three turnovers. However, the Spires were able to find their rhythm again, going 9 of 16 from the field and 4 for 11 from beyond the arc while knocking down 3 of 4 free throws to build a commanding 71-49 lead heading into the final frame.
Gillian Rodgers opened the scoring for McPherson in the fourth, but Saint Mary's Mary Olsen quickly answered with a layup of her own. The Spires were able to stretch their advantage behind two more points from Olsen and back-to-back threes.
Lauren Young and the Bulldogs attempted to trim the deficit, but each push was met with a Saint Mary response, allowing the Spires to rebuild their lead to 29 and close out a dominant 90-61 win. With the result, Saint Mary improved to 3-2 in conference play while McPherson dropped to 1-4.
Raeghan Borman led the Bulldogs with 13 points, adding two assists, three steals, and a block, while
Amaree Henderson followed with 12 points and six rebounds.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will travel to Lindsborg, Kansas to face off against Bethany College for a midweek matchup on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM.
