OAKLAND CITY, Ind. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College women's basketball team erased a double-digit halftime deficit and pulled within one possession late before falling 62-59 to Oakland City University on Tuesday evening in River States Conference play.
The Pomeroys trailed by 18 late in the second quarter but stormed back with a dominant third period, outscoring the Mighty Oaks 22-13 to cut the margin to single digits heading into the final frame.
Samara Douglas recorded a double-double to lead SMWC, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds, including eight on the defensive glass. The sophomore added three assists and helped anchor a strong rebounding effort as the Pomeroys finished with 40 boards.
Haley Polston paced the offense with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a pair of three-pointers.
Abigail Parker added 13 points and five rebounds, while
Elayni Stone chipped in 10 points.
SMWC struggled offensively in the second quarter, shooting just 1-of-12 from the field, as Oakland City built a 37-19 halftime advantage. However, the Pomeroys responded with one of their most efficient stretches of the season in the third, shooting 53.3 percent from the floor and converting all five free throw attempts.
The Pomeroys trimmed the deficit to three in the closing minutes, but could not complete the comeback. SMWC shot 37.7 percent for the game and scored 30 points in the paint.
Oakland City (3-24, 2-13 RSC) was led by Elise Williams with 22 points and Allyson Rideout with 20.
SMWC returns home for its final game of the 2025-26 season on Saturday, February 21 at 1 p.m. (ET) inside the Knoerle Center for Senior Day against Indiana University Columbus.
