INDIANAPOLIS - The Marian women's basketball team won its ninth consecutive game over Mount Vernon Nazarene on Wednesday night, as the Knights rolled past the Cougars 94-40 in the PE Center. Marian moves to 21-2 overall on the season with their fourth consecutive victory, while jumping to 11-2 in Crossroads League play. 

Wednesday's wire-to-wire victory began with an 8-0 run, as Abbey McNally scored four early points to set the tone for Marian. The full-court pressure for Marian made life difficult for Mount Vernon Nazarene, as the offense continued to shine behind the defense's 12 forced turnovers in the first quarter. McNally continued to shoulder the offensive load as she scored 12 points alone in the opening period, while a flurry of Eva Fisher baskets gave Marian a lead of 20 points in the first quarter. The strong Marian defensive pressure allowed just five total points in the first quarter, with the Knights holding the Cougars scoreless for 7:17 of game play in between their two made field goals. The Knights led 25-5 after one quarter of play.

Marian continued to play elite defense as the game shifted to the second quarter, forcing another 10 turnovers before the halftime horn. Kennedy Coleman and Eva Fisher sparked a quick 5-0 run to begin the quarter, seeing the lead extend to a half-high 24 points. Mount Vernon would find a rhythm from outside as the quarter progressed, but it would not be enough to overtake the Knights, with fastbreak Madisyn Bailey layups helping Marian control the lead. Bailey would go on to score the final six points of the first half for Marian, giving her team a 41-22 lead going into the break. 

The Knights' second half sealed the game, as the offense exploded for 26 points or more in each quarter, while holding the Cougars to 20 points. Abbey McNally took off for 14 points in the third quarter, while Kiley McNally and Madisyn Bailey commanded their own scores, each finishing the quarter in double-figures. The strong third quarter gave Marian a 68-34 lead, and in the fourth quarter, the defense put on the clamps, allowing just eight points. Kenna Kirby poured in six points in the quarter, while Aubrey Frank and Kennedy Coleman each paced the bench scoring with four each. 

Coleman logged seven rebounds in the final quarter, highlighting a defensive effort that held the Cougars to a 17 percent shooting quarter in the fourth. The Knights finished the game strong, and ended their 21st victory of the season on top 94-42.

Abbey McNally led the charge for the Knights, scoring 28 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Madisyn Bailey had a balanced game with 10 points, three steals, three blocks, and four assists, while Kiley McNally scored 10 points in the win. Kenna Kirby led the bench with 12 points, and Kennedy Coleman finished the night with seven points and a team-high 11 rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench. 

Marian stays in the PE Center on Saturday afternoon, finishing their week with a home matchup against (RV) Taylor. Tip-off will come at 1:00 p.m.

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