LAKELAND, FLA. – The Maryville women's basketball team saw its three-game winning streak come to an end as Eckerd rallied to down the Saints 59-51 Friday. Gracie Stugart paced Maryville with 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Annika Pluemer chipped in 12 points. The game was the first of the Mocs Christmas Classic in Lakeland, Fla.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Caden Krohn put the Saints ahead 14-12 early in the second quarter, and Olivia Hahn scored on a layup. Alicia Burgos tipped in a miss to cap a 6-0 run for an 18-12 margin. After the Tritons scored, Claire Rake drained a triple as the Saints took their largest lead of the game 21-14. Maryville maintained its lead and took a 29-22 cushion at the break.
 
Madyson Rigdon scored to keep the Saints up 33-26 but Eckerd tied the game at 33-all. Stugart drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key for a 36-33 advantage. However, the Tritons scored the next 12 points to jump ahead. Burgos and Annika Pluemer converted buckets to pull the Saints back to within 46-42 with seven minutes to play. Eckerd pushed back to a 54-43 lead before Maryville made one more charge. Stugart knocked down a jumper and two free throws. A pair at the line from Adylan Ayer pulled the Saints to 54-49 with less than two minutes to go but Maryville never got closer.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Gracie Stugart - 16
Rebounds: Gracie Stugart - 10
Assists: Gracie Stugart - 5
3-Pointers: Annika Pluemer - 2
Steals: three players - 1
Blocked Shots: four players - 1
 
RECORDS:
Maryville: 4-7
Eckerd: 8-2
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints finish up at the Mocs Christmas Classic as they take on host team Florida Southern Saturday, Dec. 21.     Read Full Article