William Jewell Recap
The Maryville women's basketball team dropped a defensive battle 59-54 Thursday night at William Jewell. The Saints limited the Cardinals to 35.2 percent shooting (19-of-54) but could not overcome WJC's 18 free throws made. Jayda Jansen embarked on a 7-for-8 shooting spree en route to a game-high 22 points to direct the Saints efforts.
 
What Happened
The Saints grabbed a 4-3 lead before the Cardinals jumped to a 13-4 edge. Maryville still trailed after one at 15-7 but chipped away in the second quarter. The Saints scored the final nine points heading into halftime to close to 24-22. Jansen drained a 3-pointer to start the run, and Hunter Stidham added a jumper. Jansen tacked on a runner, and a Taylor Kirby layup brought the Saints to within two. Maryville's defense held the Cardinals to 3-of-16 shooting in the quarter.
 
Antoinette Mussorici opened the third quarter with a bucket, and Olivia Kastens' layup pushed the Saints ahead 26-24. The 13-0 run bridged the end of the second and into the first minute of the third quarter. Jansen took over and scored 10 straight points for the Saints to grab a 36-30 lead midway through the period. The Cardinals inched back and the teams were deadlocked at 40-40 after 30 minutes.
 
The Cardinals scored on the first possession of the fourth until Donnetta Colbert drained a 3-pointer to put the Saints ahead 43-42. WJC tallied seven straight to retake the lead. The Cardinals kept a narrow edge before Stidham's 3-pointer and a Jansen bucket pulled Maryville to 54-52 in the final minute. However, the home squad hit five of six free throws to hold on for the victory.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Jayda Jansen - 22
Rebounds: Jayda Jansen and Taylor Kirby - 5
3-Point Field Goals: Jayda Jansen - 3
Assists: Antoinette Mussorici and Hunter Stidham - 3
Steals: Karlee Feldman - 3
Blocked Shots: four players - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 5-6, 5-6 GLVC
William Jewell: 5-6, 5-6 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints close out their four-game road swing Saturday afternoon at Rockhurst. Maryville is back at home next Tuesday, Jan. 26, as city-rival UMSL visits Moloney Arena.