Goshen, Ind. - The Marian women's basketball team won its third consecutive game on Saturday afternoon, as the team's stifling defense held Goshen College to a single-digit point total in the first half, and dominated from start to finish in the team's 75-36 victory. The win gives Marian 22 consecutive wins over Goshen College, as the team moves to 20-2 on the season and 10-2 in Crossroads League play.

The Knights put their stamp on the game from the opening tip, confusing Goshen after Abbey McNally won the tap, as Madisyn Bailey found Olivia Faust on an open backdoor cut to start the dominant Marian play. Goshen would answer with a three-pointer to briefly take the lead, but the edge on the scoreboard would last just 15 seconds, as an Abbey McNally basket ignited a 17-0 run, propelling a 19-3 lead on the board. Marian continued to have its way on offense while the defense clamped down Goshen, as a three-point play from Madisyn Bailey and a three-point make from Aubrey Frank pushed the Knights to a 28-7 lead at the end of quarter one.

The defense only improved in the second quarter, as the Knights held Goshen to zero field goals made in the period, while the Marian offense exploded for another 21 points. Eva Fisher started the 11-0 scoring run to begin the second quarter, while an Olivia Faust three-pointer sparked another run, this time of nine unanswered points. Bailey would calmly sink two free throws as the first half ended, as Marian's tenacious defense provided a 49-9 lead at the intermission.

The two points allowed in the second quarter is Marian's fewest given up in a single quarter this year, while the nine points are the fewest given up in a half this season. 

Goshen would find its bearings offensively in the second half, narrowly outscoring the Knights 27-26 over the final two quarters of the afternoon. Despite the lack of offensive firepower in the second half, Marian still held its own on the defensive end, keeping the Maple Leafs under 37 percent from the field in the second half, while forcing nine turnovers over the final 20 minutes of play. 

Madisyn Bailey played 16 of the game's final 20 minutes, scoring nine points while recording three rebounds and a steal. Kenna Kirby played an even part in Marian's finishing stretch, scoring seven points while swiping three steals. 

The Maple Leafs would ultimately hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to dampen what would have been a six-point defensive effort from the Knights in the fourth quarter, but it would not impact the final score, as the Knights secured their 75-36 win.

Abbey McNally led the Knights in scoring in their 22nd consecutive win over Goshen, pouring in 20 points while grabbing eight rebounds. Madisyn Bailey had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, the first of a points-rebounds variety in her career, and Kenna Kirby led the bench with 12 points, swiping five steals. Olivia Faust finished the game with 10 points. 

Marian will return home for its next two games, first taking on Mount Vernon Nazarene in the PE Center on Wednesday, February 4. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

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