THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 45-49 Lawrence
• Venue: Alexander Gymnasium, Lawrence University
• Attendance: 106
• Record: Sabercats are now 1-2
• Next Game for MBU: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. vs Crown

THE LEAD

APPLETON, Wis. -- The Sabercats struggled with consistency from quarter to quarter tonight, and they saw a hard night's work come to nothing at Lawrence University. The game was hard-fought from start to finish and Lawrence came away with a 45-49 win.

Alexis Bueltel once again led the scoring for MBU, as she led the team with 17 points on the night. Kelsey Johnson was one point shy of a double-double, as she logged 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. 

THE STORY

The first quarter was tight from start to finish, as neither team led by more than 4 points in the opening act. Johnson got things started, as the sophomore's 3-point jumper sparked the scoring on the game's first possession.

Neither team dominated play in any significant category in the first quarter. Harmony Bailey announced her presence off the bench by adding 4 points and 2 rebounds. After the first quarter, it was 15-13 MBU.

The second quarter proved to be a difference-maker in the end, as MBU struggled to hit their shots. The Sabercats sank just 2 attempts from the field in the entire quarter, and they saw Lawrence put up 11 points to take a 26-19 lead going into halftime.

The third quarter saw the advantage swing back in favor of Maranatha, who repeated their 15-point tally that they put up from the first quarter. MBU rekindled their offense while limiting the hosts to just 8 points. Johnson and Bueltel combined for 11 points, as the sister act fueled the temporary turnaround for Maranatha. 

The Sabercats were superior in their patience and possession this time, as they coughed the ball up just 3 times in the third quarter while Lawrence was slated with 10 turnovers. Going into the final act, MBU held a 34-32 lead.

It turned out to be Lawrence's night, however, as they successfully defended their home floor. LU made the most of their chances down the stretch to come back inside of the final minute, taking the 45-49 win.

THE NUMBERS

Both teams shot 32 percent from the field.

Bueltel's 17 points led the way for MBU, and LU's Kenya Earl added 15 to lead the hosts.

Bailey finished with 7 points, 7 boards, and 2 steals.

With the win, Lawrence now holds the 10-1 advantage in the series.

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats will return to their home floor to take on Crown College this coming Saturday. The game will tip off at 3 p.m. on the MBU Campus. Follow live at mbusabercats.com/composite.