Women’s Basketball | 10/31/2024 10:39:00 PM
OMAHA, Neb. — The Bulldogs opened up the new season on the wrong side of the decision as they dropped their first game of the season against the College of Saint Mary Flames on Thursday night (Oct 31), 73-60.
Turnover plagued the Bulldogs the entireduration of the first half, racking up 14 over the first two quarters of play. The Flames were able to convert those into 10 points and generated a lead as big as 15.
McPherson also struggled from the field in the first half, shooting just 33% (8/24) and only converting 41.7% of their free throw attempts (5/12) while the Flames hit a 44% clip from the field (12/27) and hit 90% of their free throws (9/10) as they took a nine point lead into halftime.
The Bulldogs refused to go down without a fight as they came alive in the third quarter, forcing bad shots and generating turnovers to bring the Flames lead down to just two with 7:29 left to play in the quarter. The comeback attempt eventually faded away later in the quarter thanks to a three pointer by the Flames to push the lead back out to seven.
Another quick start for the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter brought the lead back down to just two points again, but turnovers and missed opportunities continued to set back MC. The Bulldogs finished the game with 22 turnovers and never led once in the contest.
Laura Guillamat-Ribo shined in her debut with the Bulldogs, dropping a team high 17 points and 3 assists. Kennedy Smith also showed out in her debut, recording a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in her first collegiate game.
The Bulldogs return to action tomorrow for their second and final game in the St. Mary Classic as they take on Peru State College. Tipoff is set for 6:00 pm.
