FAYETTE, IOWA – Annika Pluemer sank two free throws with 10.5 seconds left as the Maryville women's basketball team rallied in the waning seconds to defeat Upper Iowa 80-79. Lindsey Schadewalt poured in 27 points, the most by a Maryville women's basketball player this season, including a crucial late 3-pointer as the Saints scored the game's final five points.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Neither team led by more than one possession until late in the second when the Peacocks pushed out to a 38-33 edge. Caden Krohn sank two free throws and a jumper by Schadewalt pulled the Saints to within one. The Saints tied the score at 44-44 after a Pluemer free throw before UIU hit a late 3-pointer prior to halftime.
 
UIU stayed ahead for most of the third quarter before Schadewalt drained a 3-pointer. After a defensive stop by the Maryville defense, Schadewalt tied the score with two free throws as the game was deadlocked 60-all heading into the final quarter.
 
The Peacocks scored the first seven points of the fourth. The Saints stayed within striking distance before raining down 3-pointers. Alicia Burgos sank a triple but UIU answered with a three-point play for a 72-66 lead. Claire Rake converted a deep triple before Faith Hawthorne's 3-pointer tied the game at 72-72. The Peacocks sank a trey but Stugart responded with a three-point play to tie the game at 75-all with 4:15 left.
 
Upper Iowa scored on four free throws but Schadewalt drained a clutch 3-pointer to pull the Saints to 79-78 with 1:25 to go. Stugart grabbed a defensive rebound to set up the final sequence. Pluemer was fouled on the left baseline and calmly sank two free throws with 10.5 seconds to play. Upper Iowa had three contested shots to win the game but the Maryville defense did not allow a clean look as the Saints escaped with the thrilling road win.
 
Pluemer and Hawthorne both finished with 11 points apiece, while Stugart had another tremendous all-round contest with nine points, six rebounds and nine assists. The Saints took advantage of their trips to the charity stripe and converted 13-of-14 at the line.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Lindsey Schadewalt - 27
Rebounds: Alicia Burgos - 8
Assists: Gracie Stugart - 9
3-Pointers: Lindsey Schadewalt - 5
Steals: Faith Hawthorne - 2
Blocked Shots: Alicia Burgos, Annika Pluemer and Claire Rake - 1
 
RECORDS:
Maryville: 5-9, 3-3 GLVC
Upper Iowa: 6-5, 3-2 GLVC
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints return to Moloney Arena when they host Rockhurst Thursday, Jan. 9, for a 5:15 pm tip.   Read Full Article