Box Score
HOLLAND, Mich. - The Saint Mary's basketball team lost an 89-59 conference contest on the road against second-ranked and undefeated Hope on Wednesday evening.
Hope opened the game with a 17-3 run over the first six minutes of play to take control early. Unable to string more than a few points together at a time, the Belles saw the Flying Dutch extend their lead to 28 by the end of the first half after hitting a three-pointer and a jump shot in the final minute before the end of the period.
After the halftime break, the Belles kept up with No. 2 Hope in the second stanza. The Flying Dutch outscored Saint Mary's by just two points over the final 20 minutes of play. The Belles made more shots (14) than Hope (11) while also forcing the Flying Dutch into committing 16 turnovers while committing just six over the second period.
The Belles outscored the Flying Dutch 38-32 in the paint while Hope held a narrow margin in scoring off of turnovers (19-14).
Eleni Shea led the Belles with 14 points and four steals. Shanlynn Bias added 11 points. Ariana Paul just missed double-digit scoring with nine points while leading the team with eight rebounds.
The Belles (6-16, 4-9 MIAA) return home to host Alma on Saturday, February 15 at 3:00 p.m. in what will also be the team's Senior Recognition Game.
