Kirksville, Mo. – Despite a career-high 20 points from Taylor Kirby, the Maryville women's basketball team was edged out 70-67 at Truman State Saturday afternoon. The Saints had a 3-pointer at the buzzer narrowly misfire which would have forced overtime. Antoinette Mussorici scored 15 points, while Hunter Stidham pitched in 11 points. The Saints shot 56.3 percent in the fourth quarter to rally into the final seconds.
 
What Happened:
Maryville had its best defensive quarter of the season and limited Truman State to just seven points to grab a 14-7 lead after 10 minutes. Both offenses picked up the pace in the second quarter as the Saints took a 29-25 edge into the break.
 
Truman opened the third quarter with a burst but Kirby scored the first five points to keep the Saints ahead 34-32. The Bulldogs answered with seven straight to grab a 39-34 lead. Rylee Mulvaney hit one free throw to halt the Truman run. The teams traded scores as the home side built a 47-43 advantage going into the fourth.
 
Stidham drilled a 3-pointer to begin the final quarter. After one Truman free throw, Stidham splashed another in from deep to put the Saints ahead 49-47 at the 8:14 mark. Truman State went back ahead until Mussorici tied the game at 50-50 with one free throw. The Bulldogs tallied three straight baskets before Carsyn Fearday knocked down a jumper. Truman built a 63-55 cushion but Mussorici converted back-to-back jumpers to bring the Saints to within 63-59.
 
Taylor had a three-point play as Maryville closed to 65-62 with two minutes to play. Truman scored a bucket but Kirby again answered. The Bulldogs made one free throw for a 68-64 edge but Stidham sank a wing triple with 11 seconds to play to bring Maryville within one at 68-67. The Saints sent Truman to the line, and Ellie Weltha converted both for a 70-67 lead. After a Maryville timeout, there was a scramble for the ball. The Saints came up with the loose ball and found an open shooter but the potential game-tying 3-pointer was just a bit long as Truman held on for the three-point win.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Points: Taylor Kirby - 20
Rebounds: Taylor Kirby - 8
Assists: Antoinette Mussorici - 4
3-Pointers: Hunter Stidham - 3
Steals: Carsyn Fearday - 4
Blocked Shots: Hunter Stidham - 1
 
Records:
Maryville: 4-4, 1-2
Truman State: 4-5, 1-1
 
What's Next?
The Saints take a break for finals and do not play again until Tuesday, Dec. 14, as they host Christian Brothers University for a 5 p.m. tip in Moloney Arena.