Box Score SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS, Ind. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College women's basketball team defeated Robert Morris – Peoria on Wednesday night, 94-87 in overtime. Wednesday's USCAA victory moves the Pomeroys to 4-8 on the year and 2-1 in the USCAA.
The Pomeroys were led by sophomore Callan Taylor's 29 points. Senior Ja'Breena Gardner wasn't far behind with 25 points, and junior Tara Parmer recorded 13 points. Taylor and Gardner combined to make 15 three-pointers, while the Pomeroys shot 33.7 percent (35-of-104) on the night. Senior Bria Hill notched 12 rebounds and eight points before fouling out early in the third quarter. Senior Na-Shaunda Rayford recorded six assists and Gardner recorded six steals.
The Pomeorys found themselves up early with a 48-43 lead heading into halftime. In the third quarter, the Pomeroys outscored the Eagles 19-15, but RMUP stayed within striking distance. The Eagles then exploded offensively to outscore the Pomeroys in the fourth, 26-17.
With time running out in the fourth quarter, it appeared that the Pomeroys were going to fall victim to an Eagles fourth quarter comeback. Trailing 82-79, Taylor went to the free throw line and made both shots to pull SMWC within one. SMWC then fouled the Eagles to send them to the line where they responded by making both free throws and taking an 84-81 lead. Needing a three to send the game to overtime, the Pomeroys turned to Gardner, who finished the night 7-of-16 from three, who knocked down the game-tying three-pointer with 16 seconds left.
From there, the Pomeroys' defense held and SMWC headed to overtime. The overtime period favored the Pomeroys, as SMWC's defense kept the Eagles in check, and the Pomeroys went on to claim the 94-87 victory.
SMWC will be back in action on January 5 when they head to Oakland City.