MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The William Carey women's basketball team dropped an 81-64 decision to No. 1 Marian University at Tine Davis Gymnasium.
William Carey opened the game with back-to-back baskets from
Jenna Garriga and
Meyah Doyle as the two teams traded scores throughout the opening minutes. Marian gradually built a six-point advantage, taking a 16-10 lead with less than four minutes remaining in the quarter. The Lady Crusaders responded with a strong closing stretch, battling back to even the score at 20-20 with one minute left. However, a basket by the Knights in the final seconds gave Marian a 22-20 edge heading into the second quarter.
The Knights continued to create separation in the second period, extending their lead to 32-25 three minutes into the quarter. William Carey answered midway through the frame with five consecutive points to cut the deficit to just two at 32-30. Marian responded with back-to-back baskets, but the Lady Crusaders once again fought back and trimmed the margin to two with two minutes remaining. The teams exchanged baskets down the stretch before Marian carried a 40-36 lead into halftime.
The game turned in the third quarter as the Knights opened the second half with three consecutive 3-pointers. Marian used the early surge to outscore William Carey 27-15 in the period, building a commanding 67-51 advantage entering the final quarter.
The Lady Crusaders were able to trim the deficit to 16 points in the fourth, but they could get no closer as Marian answered each comeback attempt on the way to securing the victory.
William Carey returns to action Thursday, Nov. 5, when it hosts Brescia University. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. at Clinton Gymnasium.
