COLUMBUS, OH - The (14-1) Thomas More Saints traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to face off against the (7-8) Ohio Dominican women's basketball team.
With a strong fight until the final whistle, the Panthers ultimately fell to the number one team in the G-MAC, the Saints, 70-65 after four quarters.
Key Performers
Once again for the Black and Gold, Mackenzie Hurd led the way, being a force with 19 points—her third straight game in double digits—while also pulling down eight rebounds, five assists, one block, and a steal. Down in the paint, Jenna Shackleford posted up 15 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double from 33 minutes of play. Senior Sarah Ochs and freshman Eve Schwemley both matched eight points each in the performance.
Game Breakdown
The home team sparked first in the opening quarter, totaling 16 points compared to TMU's 14 points. ODU was able to nail 7-17 shots from the field, accumulating a 41.2% shooting percentage versus the Saints who averaged 35.3% shooting on 6-17 shots. In the first frame, ODU stayed strong in the paint, out-rebounding the Saints 13-8. The bench was also helpful in the first frame, contributing 8 points.
In a quick turnaround, the Saints got comfortable and increased their field shooting to 52.9% in the second quarter. In contrast, ODU shot 31.3%, hitting 5-16 shots for 14 points in the frame. With a large 24-point quarter, TMU was able to take control of the game, out-rebounding ODU 12-5 and taking their largest lead of 10 points in the half. Points in the paint for the Saints were crucial in the first half, as they posted 22 compared to ODU's 10. Heading into the locker rooms, the Saints held a 38-30 advantage over the Panthers.
Coming out for the third quarter, the Panthers increased their field shooting to 37.5%, hitting two shots from behind the arc and going 2-3 from the free-throw line. TMU shot slightly better at 45.45% and went 4-6 from the free-throw line. Despite the shooting difference, ODU outscored TMU 16-14 in the third.
The fourth quarter was just as competitive. The Saints put up 18 points on 46.15% shooting, while ODU put up 19 points on 46.67% shooting. With six minutes left in the game, the Saints led by as many as 15 points, but the Panthers kept things interesting. They were able to close the gap to just five points with 30 seconds left, but it wasn't enough as the Saints closed out the final score at 70-65.
Coming Up
Ohio Dominican will look to bounce back quickly as they face the (7-8) Findlay Oilers inside the Niekamp Arena in Findlay.
