NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Saint Mary's College Basketball fell to Alma College on Saturday afternoon, 75-61. The Belles fall to 4-10 (1-4 MIAA) while the Scots improve to 6-9 (3-3 MIAA).

Both teams played exceptionally well in the first quarter to open the game as Alma took a 20-19 lead in the first 10 minutes. Saint Mary's would outshoot Alma 53% to 42% in the quarter while shooting 50% from beyond the three point line. Senior Julia Schutz (Dyer, IN) would lead the team with seven points in the quarter.

The Scots would continue to stay hot while the Belles would go cold in the second quarter as Alma would increase their lead to 41-26 going into the halftime break. Alma would shoot 50% from the field in the quarter while Saint Mary's would shoot just 11%.

Both teams would start the second half slow as there were only 24 combined points scored in the quarter and both teams shot 36% (4 for 11) from the field in the quarter. The Scots would hold their lead going into the final ten minutes of the game. Six Belles were in the scoring column while five had scored five or more points.

The fourth quarter would be the only one that Saint Mary's would score Alma in (24-21) but the Scots would hold on to take their third MIAA win of the season. Both teams would shoot above 40% on the game with Alma taking the slight edge (43% to 40%). The Belles would win the turnover battle as they forced 20 turnovers but would be outrebounded 44-26.

Schutz would lead the team with 18 points in the game and also dished out a team high four assists. Junior Nicole Connolly (Mokena, IL) and freshman Ella Notaro (Crystal Lake, IL) would each add eight points while Notaro would grab a team high six rebounds. Senior Lauren Gumma (Troy, MI) and freshman Kate Passinault (Grand Rapids, MI) would each add seven points. Sophomore Kate Restovich (Wildwood, MO) would lead the team with three of their 12 steals while Notaro, Connolly, and freshman Kathleen Martin (Chicago, IL) would each snag two.

UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES

Saint Mary's starts a three game road trip on Wednesday, January 15 as they travel to take on the University of Olivet at 6pm. The road trip also includes matchups at Adrian College on January 18 and at Albion College on January 22. The Belles return home on January 25 to host Calvin University.