ST. LOUIS – Paced by Claire Lueken's first career double-double, the Maryville women's basketball team battled to a 60-50 victory over Illinois Springfield. Lueken posted 14 points and grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds, while Lindsey Schadewalt sank three 3-pointers en route to a team-high 17 points. Alicia Burgos added 11 rebounds for the Saints.

HOW IT HAPPENED
After the first quarter ended in a tie, UIS hit a 3-pointer to take the lead. Adylan Ayer sank two free throws and added a jumper. Schadewalt connected from deep to put the Saints on top 20-16. Gracie Gopalan scored on a drive, and after one UIS free throw, Ayer drained a triple. Lueken scored inside for a 27-18. The Saints settled for a 29-25 lead at halftime.
 
UIS took the lead as the Saints were unable to find the range from the field. Down 34-30, the Saints took advantage at the free-throw line by scoring seven straight at the stripe. UIS scored late in the third to trim the deficit to 37-36 entering the final stanza.
 
The Prairie Stars pushed out to a 45-43 lead before the Saints answered. Lueken scored on a layup, and Burgos scored off a feed from Annika Pluemer. Ayer connected on back-to-back buckets, and one free throw by Burgos built a 52-45 lead with three minutes to play. UIS tallied five of the next seven points to close the gap to 54-50 with 2:02 left. The Maryville defense clamped down and did not UIS to score again. Schadewalt scored on a drive before Olivia Hahn converted a layup. The Saints forced a miss, and Lueken put the game away with a pair of free throws for the final double-digit margin.

STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Lindsey Schadewalt - 17
Rebounds: Claire Lueken - 14
Assists: Bree Shannon - 3
3-Pointers: Lindsey Schadewalt - 3
Steals: Annika Pluemer - 4
Blocked Shots: three players - 1
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 17-5, 11-3
Illinois Springfield: 9-12, 6-7
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints stay at home and face Indianapolis Saturday, Feb. 7, in a 1 pm contest in Moloney Arena.