The Gustavus women’s basketball team lost to Washington University 68-53 in the championship game of the McWilliams Classic hosted by Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Bri Monahan led the Gusties in scoring with 20 points.
Gustavus stayed close in the first half due to the offensive firepower of Monahan who scored 16 points. Washington University built its lead to as many as 12 points at 30-18 with 4:36 left in the half, however the Gusties rallied to cut the lead to seven at the intermission (33-26).
The Bears got off to a quick start in the second half and built their lead to 15 points at 43-28 at the 15:00 minute mark. Gustavus would get no closer than 13 points the rest of the contest.
Washington University outrebounded the Gusties 44-27 and made 17-of-24 free throws. Neither team shot particularly well as Gustavus made 19-of-51 shots (37.3%), while the Bears made 23-of-58 (39.7%). The Gusties were a disappointing 2-of-11 from behind the arc.
Gustavus was led by Monahan with 20 points. Kristin Kachelmyer and Jess Vadnais each contributed 12 points. Kachelmyer led the Gusties in rebounding with eight. Washington University placed five players in double figures including Alicia Herald with 15, Leslie Berger and Rebecca Parker with 14, Kelly Manning with 11, and Danielle Beehler with 10.
The Gusties fall to 2-1 on the season, while Washington University, which is ranked #5 in the d3hoops.com poll, improved to 5-0.
Gustavus opens Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play at home on Wednesday, December 1 at home against Hamline. Game time is set for 7:30 pm.