ST. PETER, Minn. - On Wednesday, the Saint Mary's women's basketball team (8-11) went on the road to face the No. 10 ranked Gustavus Adolphus team (19-1). The Cardinals trailed by nine at halftime but struggled in the second half, ultimately falling 73-39 to the Gusties.

Brianna Nusbaum led the Cardinals with 10 points. Julia Koch added 8 points and was active on the boards, securing six rebounds.

To open the game, the Gusties established an early 7-2 lead over the Cardinals, getting the ball into the post player early. Koch responded with a three-pointer, but the Gusties extended their advantage after earring steals and getting fast break points. By the end of the quarter, Gustavus capitalized on Saint Mary's turnovers, ending the quarter with a 21-8 lead.

The Cardinals began the second quarter of action with a layup and a three by Nusbaum, assisted by Koch, at the 10:00 mark. Gustavus faced a string of missed shots early in the quarter allowing the Cardinals to cut their deficit. To close out the half, Tessa McMahon converted a fast-break layup, assisted by Breacia Carter, cutting the deficit to nine at 30-21.

The Cardinals started the half with a tip-in by Kali Olson, bringing the score to 30-23, but struggled with turnovers, committing a total of five during the quarter. Gustavus capitalized on each turnover, expanding their lead to 41-27 by the 5:00 mark. The quarter ended with Gustavus maintaining their momentum, extending their lead to 50-31.

In the final quarter, Gustavus secured a commanding lead with a series of key plays, outscoring the Cardinals 23-8. The Cardinals continued to struggle with turnovers, committing a total of 10 during the quarter. Gustavus also demonstrated defensive strength with seven steals, helping to limit Saint Mary's scoring opportunities and sealing their victory.

The Cardinals return to action at home on Saturday with a 1 p.m. game against St. Scholastica, which will be a special Play4Kay game and the Edina Realty Sock Drive.