Lamoni, Iowa.- The University of Saint Mary Women's Basketball team finished play in the Pizza Ranch Classic against the Northwestern Raiders on Saturday, resulting in a 78-68 loss. The Spires are now 2-2 to start the year.

Paige Pendley and Tanea Sims got the scoring started for USM in the first quarter to bring the team within three of the Raiders. Northwestern went up nine after two quick threes and forced a timeout. Saint Mary answered with a layup from Kaylani Hoskin and a three from Demi Aamold to make it 1914 at the end of the quarter. 

Free throws from Pendely and a three from Alanis Delgado kept the Spires within striking distance to start the second quarter. However, the Raider's offense began to wake up, and soon Northwestern held a 39-24 lead over Saint Mary headed into halftime.

Sims opened the third quarter with four of the first six points for Saint Mary to cut into the growing Raiders lead. Back-to-back threes from Keeley Bernard helped give the Spires momentum with five minutes left in the third. 

The offensive output from Northwestern proved to be too much for Saint Mary down the stretch, despite a late charge from the Spires, who fell 78-68. Aamold led the Spires offensively with 20 points and combined for eight threes with Bernard.

Up Next

Saint Mary will host Avila Univeristy to open KCAC play at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Ryan Sports Center.