Late Three Lifts Madonna Past Wolverines in 65-64 Heartbreaker
A late 12-3 run over the final 2:50, capped by a go-ahead three-pointer in the closing seconds, proved to be the difference Wednesday night as the University of Michigan-Dearborn women’s basketball team dropped a narrow 65-64 decision to Madonna inside the friendly confines.
DEARBORN, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn women's basketball team battled until the final possession Wednesday night but fell 65-64 to Madonna University in a tightly contested matchup.
Michigan-Dearborn controlled much of the fourth quarter and held the advantage late before Madonna flipped the script in the closing minutes. With just under three minutes remaining, the Crusaders closed the game on a decisive 12-3 run over the final 2:50. The surge was punctuated by a clutch three-pointer in the closing seconds that ultimately proved to be the difference.
The Wolverines opened the contest with strong energy, taking an 18-15 lead after the first quarter. Despite a middle-quarter scoring lull, Michigan-Dearborn remained within striking distance and erupted for 24 fourth-quarter points to set up a dramatic finish.
Tamia Tounsel led all scorers with 27 points on 9-of-17 shooting, consistently attacking downhill and converting eight free throws. Bailey Stimac added 18 points and eight rebounds, while Nyla Hood recorded a game-high 11 rebounds to help the Wolverines secure a 46-43 edge on the glass.
As a team, Michigan-Dearborn dished out 18 assists and forced 16 Madonna turnovers, but shot 36.5 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from three-point range. Madonna capitalized on timely perimeter shooting, finishing at 41.2 percent from beyond the arc — including the decisive late triple.
The Wolverines had an opportunity in the final moments, but the late run by Madonna sealed the one-point result at the buzzer.
