NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Saint Mary's College Basketball fell to Alma College, 73-63, on Wednesday night. The Belles fall to 6-10 (1-6 MIAA) on the year while the Scots improve to 8-7 (4-2 MIAA). 

Saint Mary's came out firing in the first quarter, jumping out to an early lead, up 17-10 after the first ten minutes, going on an 11-0 run in the first six minutes of the game. The Belles shot 7-16 from the field and controlled the pace early. Senior Hannah Outlaw (Jones, MI) and sophomore Ella Notaro (Crystal Lake, Ill.) were tough down low putting up 6 and 7 points. 

The Belles and Scots continued to go back and forth throughout the second quarter, trading baskets. Alma would take a one point advantage into the break, 30-29. Saint Mary's remained aggressive defensively. Junior Kate Restovich (St. Louis, MO) led all scorers at the half with 10 and tallied eight in the second with two crucial three point baskets. 

Alma was able to continue their rhythm in the third quarter, coming out on top, 56-48 to head into the final minutes of the game. Junior Annie Restovich (St. Louis, MO) would come out hot in the third, racking up her first eight points of the game to keep the momentum alive. The Belles were consistent at the free throw line, shooting 87.5%. 

Saint Mary's fought for the fourth quarter comeback but fell short in the final ten minutes. The Belles went to the line nine times as they entered the bonus and continued to attack the paint while forcing the Scots to defend deep into the shot clock.

Kate Restovich led Saint Mary's with a team high 20 points, her eighth straight game in double figures. and three assists. Outlaw added 12 of her own with sophomore Ella Andree (Spring Lake, MI) and Notaro both adding nine. Freshman Liv Fry (Fort Wayne, IN) led the way on the boards with seven defensive rebounds and contributed four assists. The Belles defense continued to hold strong as they won the turnover battle, 9-15.

UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES

Saint Mary's heads to Holland, MI to take on #9 ranked Hope College on Saturday, January 17 at 4pm. The Belles will then return home for a mid week matchup between Adrian College at 7pm on January 21.