Newman recap
Abby Monis sank two free throws with 27.5 seconds left for the game-winning points as the Maryville women's basketball team defeated Newman 70-66. Mary Barton sealed the game with two free throws with 2.8 ticks remaining. The contest was the finale of the UMSL Thanksgiving Classic. Monis recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Barton led four Saints in double figures with 19 points.
 
What Happened
Newman hit a three to open the game but the Saints reeled off 11 straight to take the lead. Monis powered up for two straight layups to start the burst. UU Longs sank a jumper and Monis added another basket. Barton drilled a 3-pointer for an 11-3 edge. The Jets made their next basket but Monis scored, and Barton splashed in another triple. Hunter Stidham drained yet another 3-pointer, and a Monis score was good for a 21-5 advantage. The Saints kept the edge and Barton sank the fifth 3-pointer for a 29-10 advantage. Maryville shot 80 percent from the field (12-of-15) and five of seven from beyond the arc.
 
Barton stayed hot in the second quarter and sank her fourth and fifth 3-pointers of the game. Stidham added a jumper as Maryville took its largest lead of the half at 39-14 with 5:58 left in the second. The Saints held a 45-26 lead going into the break. The Saints offense stalled in the third as Newman mounted its comeback. The Jets hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to take a 52-50 lead into the final quarter.
 
Down one, Olivia Kastens scored two straight driving layups, and a Jayda Jansen layup was good for a 61-55 edge. At the 4:19 mark, Jansen hit two free throws for a 66-59 lead but Newman charged back with seven straight points. Tied 66-66, Monis grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled with 27.5 seconds to play. She calmly sank both at the line for a 68-66 lead. Newman was looking to tie or take the lead but missed and Monis tracked down a crucial defensive rebound. The Saints found Barton who swished two free throws with 2.8 ticks left to seal the victory.
 
The victory is the third straight for Maryville. Jansen also finished with 14 points, while Stidham chipped in 10 points.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Mary Barton – 19
Rebounds: Abby Monis – 11
Assists: Jayda Jansen – 5
Steals: Jayda Jansen and Abby Monis – 4
3-Pointers: Mary Barton – 5
 
Records
Maryville 5-2
Newman 3-4
 
What's Next?
The Saints begin Great Lakes Valley Conference play Tuesday, Dec. 3, as they travel to Rolla, Mo., to take on Missouri S&T.