INDIANAPOLIS - Backed by Abbey McNally's brilliance and a defense that held the NAIA's leading scorer 11 points under her average, the Marian women's basketball team picked up win 22 on Saturday, running away from Taylor in a 78-55 victory. Marian moves to 22-2 overall on the season, while picking up the team's 12th Crossroads League win. 

Marian wasted no time putting points on the board in the first quarter, blitzing Taylor 8-4 to grab hold of the lead. Olivia Faust got Marian's offense in gear, while a three-pointer from Taylor Double allowed the team to grow a separation on the scoreboard. Kenna Kirby and Abbey McNally helped expand the lead to three possessions, with McNally's third make of the quarter giving her team a 14-6 lead. The field goal from Abbey McNally moved her into first place all-time at Marian in made field goals, passing Ella Collier who previously set the record and ended her brilliant career with 826 makes from the floor.

Taylor would answer the McNally with a three-point shot, but the Marian defense ended the quarter strong, holding Taylor scoreless for the final 2:54 of the opening quarter, while Olivia Faust sparked a 6-0 run to give Marian a 20-9 lead after one.

The Knights continued to attack offensively and defensively in the second quarter, getting a quick score from Kenna Kirby to ignite the nets. An Emily Grim block on Taylor's first possession allowed Marian to keep its strong defensive start rolling, as the home lead stayed in double figures for all but one trip down the floor in the quarter. A series of Abbey McNally made shots extended the Knights' lead, eventually growing to 19 points in the period behind the senior's strong play. Kennedy Coleman contributed to the growing lead with a three-pointer of her own, as the Knights would end the half on top 38-22.

Taylor Double started the third quarter on a high note for the Knights by scoring a putback on the team's first possession, but the tone quickly shifted to Taylor, as the Trojans ignited on a 9-0 run, bringing the lead to single digits. Abbey McNally played her hand in keeping Marian in front, but a foul and technical called against Kiley McNally after a shooting foul sent the Trojans to the line for four foul shots, where Madi Allen sank each attempt. A Trojan jump shot with 5:33 to play in the period cut the Marian hold on the game to five, but slowly the offense came back to life.

Abbey McNally halted the 6-0 run with a basket, and after the media timeout, Kenna Kirby and Taylor Double set the tempo for Marian, creating a home run of 11-2, allowing the Knights to reclaim its double-digit advantage. The run saw Marian jump in front by 15, while a jumper from Kirby in the waning seconds of the quarter gave Marian a 57-41 lead going into the final quarter.

Marian closed the game strong, relying on the defense early as three steals spoiled the first three Taylor possessions. Kenna Kirby and Abbey McNally pushed the lead to 20, while a jumper from Taylor Double with 5:55 remaining gave the team a 23-point edge. Marian continued to play strong after grabbing their 67-44 lead, and finished the game by scoring the final four points of the afternoon, allowing Emily Grim and Violet Shuluga put the stamp on the program's 78-55 victory.

The win gives Marian a season sweep of Taylor, while Abbey McNally filled the stat sheet recording her fourth-career 20-point, 20-rebound game. The senior from Cincinnati closed the day with 28 points and 23 rebounds, while also blocking one shot and recording one steal. McNally ended the game with 836 made field goals, surpassing the previous field goal record held by collier by a margin of 10.

Taylor Double scored 14 points and had five assists, while Kenna Kirby led the bench with 12 points. Madisyn Bailey had three steals, five assists, and six points in the win.

The Knights begin their final road stretch of the season next Wednesday, traveling to Grace College for a 5:30 p.m. matchup with the Lancers. The game will be the first of three consecutive away games before the regular season finale. 

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