Marian University women’s basketball (7-16, 5-12 NACC) used a dominating defense to defeat MSOE 48-37 in the final game of the regular season.

The opening quarter was an offensive struggle for both sides as MSOE was only able to build a slim 9-5 advantage.  Marian was able to quickly tie the game at nine and later took the lead at 15-14 with 3:40 left until halftime.  The Sabres would able to take the lead into the break at 19-16.

Marian was able to dominate the action to open the second half going on a 15-2 run to take a 34-18 lead with 4:15 left in the third quarter.  MSOE wouldn’t go away quietly, however, scoring 13 consecutive points to trail just 34-31 with 8:42 left in the game.  Marian was able to bounce back from the momentum shift, though and immediately went on a 12-2 spurt to put the game out of reach at 46-33 with 1:33 left in the action.  The final would then eventually settle at 48-37.

Marian held the Raiders to just 34.0-percent shooting from the field and outscored the Raiders 30-12 in the paint.

Senior Paris Harris nearly had a double-double scoring 16 points with nine rebounds and an assist to lead the Sabres.  Junior Brianna Martin also had eight boards, and senior Sierra Strope-Robinson recorded four steals.

Marian opens the NACC Tournament Saturday, February 19 on the road.