ABILENE, Texas – The Cardinals (3-6) were defeated by McMurry University (6-1) 64-50 in a non-conference game on Sunday at Kimbrell Arena in Abilene, Texas, wrapping up their weekend series in the south. McMurry took control in the second half to seal the win.
 
Brianna Nusbaum led the Cardinals in scoring with a career-high 17 points, including three three-pointers. She also posted a career-best eight steals. Breacia Carter played a crucial role on the boards, grabbing a team-high and career-high 10 rebounds (three offensive, seven defensive), along with five points. Julia Koch contributed with nine points.
 
Lindsey Lettner hauled in eight points and Carter with five. 
 
The Cardinals exchanged baskets with the War Hawks, including an early three-pointer from Koch and scoring contributions from Nusbaum and Lettner, making it 9-7.
The Cardinals jumped ahead to their first lead, 15-11, following back-to-back three-pointers from Rylie Sternquist and Nusbaum. The War Hawks battled back and ended the quarter tied at 17-17.
 
McMurry opened the second quarter with an 8-0 run. Nusbaum helped her team regain their rhythm, scoring the first five points of the period. She finished the quarter with nine points and three steals. Lettner and Sternquist also added a three-pointer each, and the Cardinals trailed 39-33 at halftime.
 
Koch and Carter scored the first two layups of the second half, but the Cardinals then went cold for four minutes, allowing the War Hawks to push their lead back to six, 50-44, heading into the fourth quarter.
 
The Cardinals extended their scoring drought into the fourth quarter, managing only six points on two of 13 shooting compared to 14 points from the War Hawks. The only points in the critical 10-minute stretch came from two three-pointers, one each from Carter and Lettner. Nusbaum added two more steals, bringing her game total to eight.
 
The Cardinals will head back to Minnesota to prepare for conference play, returning to MIAC action on Saturday, January 4th. They will travel to Concordia for a 3 p.m. game.