January 22, 2022 | by Nate Croswell

LEAD

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Sabercats lost a difficult, physical battle against Finlandia tonight by a score of 60-49.

Callie Morrison scored 24 points to earn her fifth straight 20+ point game.

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 49-60 Finlandia
• Venue: Main Gymnasium, Maranatha Baptist University
• Location: Watertown, Wis.
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (3-9), FINU (8-7)

STORY

The Sabercats were immediately confronted by a tough, physical Finlandia defense which pressed early and kept them from scoring a basket for the first three minutes. Despite the toughness of the Lions, they held in the game for much of the first half, keeping the score within four points for most of the first quarter and half of the second quarter. Strong defense of their own kept the Lions from making all their shots, preventing Finlandia from running away in the first half. Callie Morrison boosted the defense with seven rebounds in the half while dropping 13 of her 24 points to keep the Sabercats close at halftime.

The second half proved to be a different story, however, as the Lions began to make their shots and continued to pressure the Sabercats' offense with tough, physical play. Katelyn Morrison and Callie Morrison helped spark a late points surge, but Finlandia answered every point they were able to gain with one of their own. In the end, the Lions' were able to stave off the Sabercats, keeping them out of the win column tonight. In the loss, Callie dropped 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Katelyn dropped 10 points to boot.

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Maranatha Starters: 3- C. Morrison, 4- Massey, 13- Teachout, 20- Rogers, 25- K. Morrison // Finlandia starters: 1- Froberg, 11- Loman, 22- Austin, 24- Osterman, 44- Lundeen

STATS

• Callie: 24 PTS, 10 REB
• Callie: Fifth consecutive game with 20-plus points
• Katelyn: 10 PTS, 3 REB
• Last time: Maranatha defeated Finlandia 56-47 on December 14, 2019
• Series: Finlandia now leads the all-time series 4-1

OPPONENTS

• Finlandia competes in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Finlandia finished a shortened 2020-21 season with a record of 5-1 to follow up a strong 16-11 record in 2019-20

NEXT

The Sabercats stay at home to face Lincoln Christian on Tuesday night at 5:00 p.m. Details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.