CINCINNATI, Ohio – On Tuesday, February 13
th your Mount St. Joseph University women's basketball team welcomed the Beavers of Bluffton University to the Harrington Center for a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup. The Lions built an early lead and never looked back earning a win for the record books. For the first time since the 2002-03 season the Lions have won 20 games in a single season. The Lions took down the Beavers 58-49 with big performances from
Karlee Mills and
Hailey Guingrich.
To begin play, Mills was red hot. The Sophomore guard led the Lions on a 9-2 run while shooting a perfect 3-3 from the floor. But, the Beavers would answer back pulling within four with 4:03 remaining in the quarter. Each team would trade buckets to close out the quarter as the Lions held a 15-11 advantage.
In the second quarter, the Beavers were able to eliminate their deficit. A 10-6 run opened up the quarter for Bluffton tying the game at 21 with 3:32 left in the half. But, the Lions went into the locker room with their largest lead of the game finishing the quarter on an 8-0 run. A pair of three-pointers from
Annabelle Williams and
Amanda Lovejoy did most of the damage as the Lions held a 29-21 lead at halftime.
After the break, each team quickly traded buckets before the Lions were able to extend their lead to double digits. A pair of baskets from Guingrich gave the Lions a ten-point advantage with just over five minutes remaining in the quarter. The Beavers were able to cut the deficit back to single-digits just before the quarter break. A pair of free throws cut the Lions lead to 42-34 with one quarter left to play.
After an opening three-pointer from Bluffton, The Mount started the quarter on a dominant run. The Lions outscored the Beavers 12-2 gaining a 15-point advantage with 3:32 left to play. Mills again led the way scoring half of the Lions points on the run. But, Bluffton would answer with their own dominant stretch. A 10-0 run pulled the Beavers within five with 34 seconds remaining on the clock. A pair of defensive stops paired with four made free throws iced the game for the Lions. As the final buzzer sounded the Lions earned their historic 20
th victory by a final score of 58-49.
Mills led the way offensively for the Lions. The Sophomore finished with 20 points and 3 steals.
Madison Drummonds also posted a solid day for the Lions. The Forward finished with 11 points, 2 rebounds and 3 blocks. Guingrich was productive off the bench adding 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 blocks.
UP NEXT: Your Mount St. Joseph Lions are back in action on Friday, February 16
th when they travel to Hanover, Ind. to take on the Panthers of Hanover College. With a victory over Hanover, the Lions have the opportunity to secure the #2 seed and a first-round bye in the HCAC Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 7PM.
