ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Macalester College women's basketball team hosted Saint Mary's University in Saturday afternoon conference play. The Scots fell to the MIAC's top team, 81-56 in final scoring as the Cardinals capitalized on dominant second and third quarters.
 
With the loss, Macalester falls to 7-10 overall and 2-8 in the MIAC. Saint Mary's improves to 15-2 overall and 9-1 in the conference.
 
After a competitive first quarter, Saint Mary's pulled away in the second, scoring 24 points and holding the Scots to just 12. With a 17 point lead at the half, the
Cardinals increased their lead to 25 heading into the final quarter. Macalester matched the scoring effort in the final 10 minutes, 17-17 with a strong effort from the bench.
 
Erin Murray (Sparta, Wis. / Sparta) led the Scots offensively, scoring 13 points on the night. Sophomore forward Leah Gray (San Rafael, Calif. / Branson School) added nine points and pulled down eight rebounds for the Scots.
 
Emilie McGuire (Park Ridge, Ill. / Maine Township South) connected on three of four shots from the field to add six points and match the rebounding high, grabbing eight on the night.
 
Brandi Blattner led Saint Mary's with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
 
The Cardinals shot 40% from the field and finished with 53 rebounds. Macalester connected on 35% of shots from the field and grabbed 37 boards.
 
The Scots will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 27 when they travel to the University of St. Thomas for a 7 p.m. tipoff.