Box Score INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.- Despite a gritty effort on the road, the Belmont University women's basketball team (8-3) fell 59-62 , to IUPUI Friday night in Indianapolis.
"I thought we played hard enough to be in the game tonight, but didn't play smart enough. We had 17 turnovers but hats off to IUPUI tonight their defense was really good," said Head Coach Cameron Newbauer after his team's hard fought loss.
In the return to her home state of Indiana, freshman point guard Darby Maggard (Larwill, Ind.) did not disappoint. The 5'5 guard was all over the court making plays all game, as she finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and three steals and kept the Bruins in it late in the game. Maggard had a shot to tie the basketball game as BU held possession with just 11 seconds left, but her attempt from the right wing came up just short as the buzzer sounded in Indianapolis.
"Darby was excited to be home. She's a gamer. I'm proud of the way she played tonight," remarked Newbauer.
Sally McCabe joined Maggard in double figures as she finished with 11 points. The Mt. Juliet native also snatched a team-high nine boards. McCabe lined up a three pointer that would have given the Bruins the lead with 42 seconds remaining but her attempt from the top of the key went in and out.
BU out shot IUPUI from the field as it finished at a 43.9% clip, it also held the edge on the glass finishing with 40 team rebounds. The game featured eight ties, eight lead changes, and neither team's lead grew above five points.
"We just didn't get enough stops down the end. They did a really nice job on the offensive glass and really did what they do best with their athleticism, crashing the offensive glass and attacking the rim," added Newbauer.
Belmont trailed just 45-48 heading into the final frame. The Bruins played some tough defense as they allowed IUPUI to score just two points in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter. After McCabe's shot nearly put BU on top, but then rimmed out, Maggard corralled the rebound and hoisted up a three of her own that was off the mark. The Bruins elected to foul to force free throws after possession was now in favor of the Jaguars. IUPUI's Sydney Hall went to the line. Hall missed the first but made the second to put IUPUI ahead 60-57. Belmont managed to strike quickly as Maggard converted a left-handed lay in to draw the gap to 60-59. Belmont sent Akliah Sims to the line this time. Sims , IUPUI's leading scorer, swished both attempts to put IUPUI ahead three. After a Belmont timeout, it held possession with just 11 ticks left. Kylee Smith (Alpharetta, Ga.) was inbounded the ball and she advanced the ball past the time line where she was met with pressure. Smith then found Maggard who dribbled the ball to the right wing, and attempted a step back three pointer to tie the game as time ran out.
"It was a frustrating night, but the effort is there. We just have to keep working on getting better and get ready for the next game," added Newbauer.
Belmont came into the halftime with a ton of momentum, as it rattled off eight straight points to claim a 37-32 advantage at the break. Maggard was a key piece in this run as she ignited it at the 1:53 with a nifty, step back jump shot off the wrong foot to draw BU within one point at 31-32. A few possessions later, the lead guard would connect with Smith on a long, baseball type pass. Smith, streaking down the right side of the court, corralled the ball and cashed in the fast break layup opportunity. With just over 30 seconds remaining, Maggard grabbed a defense rebound, brought the ball up the court and found freshman Jenny Roy (Brentwood, Tenn.) for a layup. IUPUI then took over with its eyes on holding for the last shot, Maggard had other plans, however, as she stripped IUPUI's Martha Burse near center court and commenced to score on the other end with a contested layup from the left side. This sequence of events was critical, as the Bruins garnered the game's momentum heading into the intermission. BU outscored IUPUI, 18-12 in the second quarter.
IUPUI came out as the aggressor to begin the second half as it utilized a run of its own to jump ahead of Belmont. BU won many of the third quarter's 50/50 balls as it managed to scrap despite not shooting its best from the field. IUPUI outscored Belmont 16-8 in third quarter.
Sims finished with a game-high 18 points and a game-high 13 rebounds for the Jaguars.
The Bruins fall to 3-3 on the road, and drop their first contest of the year in which they led at half time.
The Bruins continue their six-game road trip, Tuesday, Dec. 22, when they travel the state of Wisconsin for a showdown with the Green Bay Phoenix. Tip off is slated for 6 p.m. CT and will be streamed live on ESPN3.
"It doesn't get any easier that's for sure, it's a tough road trip for us. We just need to keep finding ways to get tougher. We have to keep working and getting better every day," Newbauer said as the Bruins continue their season-long six game road swing.
