Kessler, Newsom Lead Saint Mary's Past Alma, 72-60
Box Score
NOTRE DAME, IN – Alison Kessler and Erin Newsom combined to score 42 points in leading Saint Mary’s to a 72-60 win over Alma Saturday afternoon in MIAA women’s basketball action.
The win lifts the Belles record to 3-6 and 2-1 in league play while Alma falls to 3-3 and 0-1 respectively.
Kessler scored 26 points and tied her career high with nine rebounds while Newsom tallied her third career double-double with a 16-point, 11-rebound performance. In addition, Newsom nailed eight of her nine field goal attempts.
In the opening half Saint Mary’s held a lead as large as 14 points. The Belles went into the locker room up 34-21 after Kessler nailed a three-pointer as the first half horn sounded. Alma’s shooting went cold in the first half as they connected on just 25 percent (6-of-24) of their field goal attempts.
The Belles continued their momentum into the second frame and held their largest lead of the afternoon at 50-26 with 14:11 remaining in the game. However, the Scots made a charge and got their deficit down to 59-50 with just under seven minutes left but they couldn’t draw any closer down the stretch.
In addition to Kessler’s and Newsom’s efforts, Bridget Lipke posted a double figure scoring effort with 10 points while dishing off six assists.
Ashley Matuzak scored a game high 27 points and grabbed a contest best 12 rebounds for Alma. Abigail Way also scored in double figures, tallying 12 points.
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