Spires Fight Hard, But Fall 63-58 To OKWU

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – The University of Saint Mary women's basketball team fought hard on the road against Oklahoma Wesleyan University and came back from a 17-point deficit, but fell 63-58.

The Spires are now 2-12 overall and 2-8 in the KCAC.

Saint Mary jumped out to a 10-6 lead before OKWU went on a 10-0 run to end the first quarter. Back-to-back three-pointers allowed the Eagles to extend their lead in the second quarter to make it 30-18. Jaleia Rice hit a free-throw to make it a 10 point game with two minutes left in the hald. OKWU hit another three in the closing seconds of the half to lead 33-20.

Kaylie Simonds opened the second half with a pass to Nese Selepeo for a three-pointer to give the Spires some momentum. The Spires forced a turnover and capitalized with a bucket made by Macy Walker to get within single digits. The Eagles were able to hit multiple three-pointers and extend their lead to 17 with four minutes left in the third. The Spires would not fold as Sina Selepeo and Danielle Cassady made two quick buckets to open the fourth quarter to make it 49-42. With :14 seconds left in the game, Dakota Corle scored a huge basket inside the paint to get the Spires within two points. Free-throws in the closing seconds allowed the Eagles to seal the win.

Cassady led the team with 17 points and five assists. Walker had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Saint Mary outscored OKWU 20-8 inside the paint.

UP NEXT
The Spires will hit the road Dec. 31 as they travel to Topeka, Kan. to take on Washburn University in an exhibition game. The game is set to begin at 2 p.m.