Bolivar, Mo. – The Maryville women's basketball team cut a 12-point deficit to two but was unable to complete the comeback as Southwest Baptist held on for a 58-55 win. The Saints had two attempts at forcing overtime but both 3-pointers misfired in the final seconds. Antoinette Mussorici tallied 21 points, she highest total in the conference game this season.
 
What Happened:
Trailing most of the first half, the Saints took their first lead at 19-18 on two free throws by CiCi Rindy with five minutes left in the second quarter. Haidyn Pitsch knocked down a jumper, and Taylor Kirby's offensive rebound and put back gave the Saints a 23-18 lead. SBU came back to tie the game at 26-all leading to halftime.
 
The Bearcats shot 55 percent in the third quarter and moved to a 48-41 margin heading into the final quarter. Maryville's deficit stood as large as 53-41 with 7:42 to play before the Saints roared back. Still down 55-45, Kirby scored inside, and Antoinette Mussorici had a 3-point play. The SBU lead was 57-50 until Mussorici made a layup, and Abby Weis drilled a 3-pointer to bring the Saints to 57-55 inside the final minute. Maryville forced two SBU turnovers but turned it right back to the hosts. After the Bearcats made one free throw with 11 seconds left, the Saints missed two 3-pointers that would have forced overtime.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Points: Antoinette Mussorici - 21
Rebounds: Taylor Kirby and Maddy Meehan - 6
Assists: four players - 2
3-Pointers: Haidyn Pitsch - 3
Steals: Carsyn Fearday, Taylor Kirby, Maddy Meehan - 2
Blocked Shots: Hunter Stidham - 1
 
Records:
Maryville: 7-9, 3-7
Southwest Baptist: 11-9, 6-6
 
What's Next?
The Saints play a rescheduled game Monday, Jan. 31, as they play at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in a 6 p.m. game in the Mark Twain Building.