Lewis recap
Mary Barton put up 33 points as the Maryville women's basketball team escaped with a 76-73 win Thursday night at Lewis. The Flyers had the ball trailing by one point in the waning seconds but the Saints defense forced a turnover with 2.5 ticks remaining. Barton was fouled with 0.8 seconds left and hit both free throws to seal the victory.
 
What Happened
Barton scored nine of the first 13 points for the Saints as they grabbed an early 13-5. After a Lewis timeout, the Flyers chipped away at the Maryville margin. The Saints were still up 19-11 but Lewis scored the final five points of the quarter. Maryville shot 64.3 percent in the opening quarter. The hosts finally took their first lead of the game but the Saints answered both times. The score was tight through the next 10 minutes. After an offensive rebound by Abby Monis, Jayda Jansen drained a long 3-pointer but Lewis scored late for a 36-36 tie at halftime.
 
The Flyers went up 40-36 before the Saints answered with two buckets by CiCi Rindy and a jumper by Jansen for a 42-40 margin. Lewis was up 52-51 before Jansen scored inside. After a defensive stop, Barton pulled up deep from the left wing for a 56-52 lead at the third quarter buzzer. Hunter Stidham scored on a layup to open the fourth. Lewis scored to close to 60-56 before the Saints tallied five straight for a 65-56 lead with 5:20 remaining.
 
The Flyers edged closer at 66-61 before UU Longs drilled a triple. Jansen made one free throw and a Barton bucket built a 72-61 cushion. Lewis full-court press led to seven straight points. Barton sank two free throws and a 74-68 advantage at the 1:24 mark. Lewis tallied five straight and closed to 74-73. The Saints forced a Lewis turnover with 2.5 seconds left. Barton drained two free throws with 0.8 seconds left. Lewis had a final shot at the buzzer to force overtime but the attempt bounced away.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Mary Barton – 33
Rebounds: Abby Monis – 7
Assists: Mary Barton – 3
Steals: UU Longs – 4
3-Pointers: three players – 1
 
Records
Maryville: 13-9, 8-7 GLVC
Lewis: 14-9, 11-4 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints play their final road game of the season Saturday, Feb. 15, as they take on Illinois Springfield.