Defensive effort not quite enough in narrow loss at SXU
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
St. Ambrose (IA) (8-10, 5-5) | 13 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 60 |
|
Saint Xavier (IL) (13-6, 9-2) | 23 | 14 | 17 | 12 | 66 |
St. Ambrose slowed one of the top teams in the CCAC, but the Bees came up a little short in a 66-60 setback at Saint Xavier Saturday afternoon.
The Bees limited the Cougars to less than 40 percent shooting overall and a 2-of-21 effort from 3-point range. But despite shooting better than 42 percent from the floor and knocking down four triples, SAU didn't have enough.
The game was ultimately decided by turnovers and free throws.
St. Ambrose (8-10, 5-5 CCAC) committed 21 turnovers, more than twice as many as Saint Xavier. Those miscues led to 24 SXU points. The Bees tallied five points off 10 Cougar turnovers.
Saint Xavier (13-6, 9-2 CCAC) also took advantage of its opportunities at the line. SXU knocked down 12-of-16 free throws while SAU hit 2-of-5.
The Cougars built a 14-point lead in the second quarter but the Bees stayed within striking distance the rest of the way.
Trailing 63-51 with three minutes left, St. Ambrose made a final rally.
Jayla Stirgus got it started with a 3-pointer. Then Abby Wolter hit back-to-back baskets to trim the deficit to 63-58 with a minute remaining.
SAU had a chance to get closer after another defensive stop, but Caitlyn Thole misfired on a three. That led to an SXU free throw for a six-point margin. A late turnover ended the comeback hopes and led to a pair of final Cougar free throws. Wolter scored in the closing seconds to account for the final score.
Wolter led the team with 25 points and nine rebounds. Thole also finished in double figures, scoring 14 points to go along with nine boards.
Erin Jolin and Mary Gruber each scored five points. Stirgus, Olivia Harter and Payton Calouette finished with three points each. Elly Doe scored two.
The Bees will return home to welcome Judson Monday afternoon.