Indianapolis, IN – The 11^th-ranked Cumberlands women's basketball team utilized a strong first half and had four players finish in double figures, but it wasn't enough as they feel to sixth-ranked Marian 70-65 Tuesday night.  With the win the Knights improve to 9-1 overall, while the Patriots move to 8-1.

Amerah Steele led the way with a team-high 18 points, five rebounds, and four steals in the game.  Lakin Burke chipped in 15 points, 5 rebounds, and three steals, while Kassie Monday and Destiny Haworth notched 11 points apiece.

Burke netted four points in the first three minutes of play as Marian took a 7-6 edge.  The Knights went on a 6-0 run before UC responded with 12 unanswered points coming from Channing Lewis and Burke to give the Patriots a 18-13 lead with 1:06 left.  UC closed out the first half with an 18-15 advantage.

Kassie Monday drained a jumper on the opening possession of the second quarter to push Cumberlands lead to 20-15.  After Marian evened the score at 20-20, Kassie Monday found Burke in the paint for a bucket as well as Steele for a three-pointer putting Cumberlands back in front 25-20.  The Patriots closed out the first half on a 10-2 run with Steele and Haworth combining for nine points as UC took a 35-24 lead into the break.

Cumberlands struggled from the field in the third quarter as Marian utilized a 19-2 run to open the period and take a 47-41 lead into the fourth quarter.  Kassie Monday netted UC's first four points of the fourth quarter to bring the Patriots within four at 49-45.  Just over a minute later, Haworth drained back-to-back three pointers to tie the game at 53-53 with 6:48 left.  The game was tied twice before Marian notched five straight points to take a 64-58 lead with 1:16 remaining.  UC continued to battle Haworth found Steele for a layup and the London, KY native added a late three pointer to bring the Patriots within three 66-63, but that was the closest the came as Marian held on the 70-65 final.

The Patriots will return to the court on Saturday, December 9, when they travel to Waleska, GA to face Reinhardt.  Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.

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