ARLINGTON, VA - The Cabrini women's basketball team couldn't overcome a strong second half from the hosting Marymount University Saints as they fell by a 67-49 final in the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) championship this afternoon.
The hosts outscored the Cavs 43-28 in the second half, while limiting the Blue and White to just eight field goals.
Senior
Meghan Matthews paced the offense wih 17 points, six rebounds and five steals, while junior
Lexi Edwards netted 15 points. Classmate
Ashley Tutzauer rounded out the Cavs with more than five points as the junior paired seven points and four steals.
In total, the Cabrini defense forced 28 turnovers and tallied 16 steals.
Points proved tough to come by in the opening stanza as the two teams combined for 23 points with the Saints claiming a 14-9 lead at quarters end. Six points from Edwards, including a three ball, highlighted the Cavs first quarter action.
The Cavaliers trimmed the Saints' lead to just one point with 57 second until halftime as they outscored the hosts 12-8 over the previous nine minutes of play. Matthews led the charge with six points, including a pair of layups. Marymount would answer with just nine second left in the quarter, however as a jumper from Symantha Shackelford handed the Saints a 24-21 advantage into the break.
The two teams traded baskets for the opening four minutes of the second half with the Saints clinging to a 32-29 lead. A deep three from Shackelford ignited a 7-2 spurt for the Saints. A Gallagher triple briefly cut the Cavs deficit back to five points before Marymount closed the quarter on a 5-0 run to take a 49-38 advantage into the final frame.
Marymount would control play in the fourth quarter as they outscored the Cavs 18-11 for the eventual 67-49 final.
Following this afternoon's game, the Blue and White will turn their attention to the NCAA Selection Announcements where they'll find out if they've earned a bid into the 2020 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for Monday, March 2nd at 2:30pm and will be streamed live on NCAA.com.
Continue to following CabriniAthletics.com for the latest schedule information.
