ST. LOUIS – Despite a career-high 20 points from Claire Lueken, the Maryville women's basketball team dropped a 76-60 decision to visiting Lewis Sunday afternoon. Adylan Ayer chipped in 11 points and led the team with six rebounds.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Saints fell into an early hole as the Flyers tallied the first nine points of the game. Lueken hit a 3-pointer to get Maryville on the board. After a Helen Ben three-point play, Lueken scored inside to keep the Saints close. Lewis built a 24-11 edge early in the second before the Saints rallied with a 9-1 burst. Ayer had six of the points and her bucket pulled the Saints to within 25-20. Olivia Hahn grabbed an offensive board and her put back cut the deficit to 28-22 at halftime.
 
Annika Pluemer and Lindsey Schadewalt scored early baskets in the third as the Saints chopped the deficit to just 28-26. However, the Flyers reeled off 11 straight points to extend their lead. Lueken ended the Saints drought but Lewis tacked on an 8-0 burst. The Flyers pushed their edge to more than 20 points as they shot 80 percent in the third quarter. The Saints used an 11-2 run to get back into the game. Back-to-back triples pulled Maryville closer but the Saints never got closer than 14 points the rest of the way.

STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Claire Lueken - 20
Rebounds: Adylan Ayer - 6
Assists: Bree Shannon - 4
3-Pointers: Claire Lueken - 3
Steals: Annika Pluemer - 4
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 10-4, 4-2
Lewis: 7-6, 3-2
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints take to the road and play at William Jewell, Thursday, Jan. 7, for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff in Liberty, Mo.