ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Tuesday night, the No. 6 Saint Mary's women's basketball (13-12) season came to an end in their amazing turnaround season falling to No. 3 Hamline Pipers (19-7) 73-61 in the MIAC Quarterfinals.

Brianna Nusbaum led the Cardinals with 20 points and added four steals. Julia Koch contributed 13 points, with an efficient 3-for-7 shooting, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc, and recorded two steals. Rylie Sternquist matched Koch's 13 points and led the team with eight rebounds, while also distributing three assists. Kali Olson was notable defensively, tying for the team lead with four steals, while scoring six points and maintaining a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.

Early in the game, the Cardinals were on the board first with two free throws by Koch at 9:00. Hamline responded with a 7-0 run to shift the momentum. The Cardinals narrowed the gap, with Sternquist hitting a three-pointer at 1:53 to give them a brief 14-12 lead. Hamline regained the  lead 18-16 closing the quarter ahead by two points.

In the second quarter, the Cardinals started strongly and came out with energy with Nusbaum hitting a three-pointer at 8:57 and quickly following up with a layup at 8:41, putting them ahead 21-20. Koch extended the lead with a three-pointer at 7:43. The Pipers responded with a series of successful plays evening the score at 30-30. Hamline took control to end the half with a layup at the buzzer that sealed the quarter with Hamline leading 38-32.

Looking to keep the season alive, the Cardinals responded to start the second half of action with consistent free throw shooting, particularly from Olson, who made two free throws at 7:18 to cut the deficit to 45-34. Nusbaum of the Cardinals played a pivotal role in closing the gap, with a layup at 2:56 bringing the score to 47-43. 

Despite Hamline's efforts to maintain their lead, the Cardinals outscored them 17-15 in the quarter, ending with a layup by Nusbaum at the buzzer, finalizing the score at 53-49.

In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals momentum slowed and they struggled offensively, missing several layups early in the quarter. The short drought proved costly to the Cardinals. 

A late surge with Sternquist and Lindsey Lettner hitting three-pointers arised late but the Cardinals could not close the gap, and the Pipers maintained control with key free throws in the final minute to secure their victory.

The Cardinals played some of their best basketball late in the season when it mattered and bounced back from a winless season to an above .500 season and clinching a playoff berth.