MILLERSVILLE, Pa. — The Marauders faced their toughest test of the season Saturday afternoon in Pucillo Gymnasium in the visiting No. 5 Gannon Golden Knights. Millersville kept up with the visitors in the first half, entering the break within striking distance. However, they weren't able to make a run in the second half, and the guests from Erie claimed the 71-38 victory.

Head Coach Kira Mowen went with a different look in the starting lineup to begin, giving Graduate Student Jabria Ingram her first start of the season. She assisted Sophie Elstone on one of two Marauder first quarter baskets. Elstone would finish with a team-high 10 points on 4-of-6 from the field, including two three pointers. 
 
Despite the slow offensive start, Millersville kept it close through the end of the first quarter with its defense. The hosts held the Lady Knights to just 25% shooting in the first quarter. What hampered the Marauder offense was turnovers, as they committed nine in the period. That contributed to Gannon's 10-attempt advantage during this time. 
 
Despite the turnovers, the 'Ville remained within striking distance, down 26-16 at halftime. They did so by putting the Gannon post players in foul trouble and forcing bad shots on the defensive end. For the game, the Marauders held the Knights to 39% shooting, almost eight percent lower than their season average entering the contest. 
 
Gannon extended its lead in the third quarter before putting the game away in the fourth. After Brenna Ortwein found Elstone open under the basket and cut the deficit to 12 at 46-34 to begin the quarter, the Golden Knights went on a 25-4 run to close it out. 

GAME NOTES

• The Marauders' all-time record against the Golden Knights falls to 4-11 overall. 
• Jabria Ingram's start was her first of the season and the second of her career. She received that first start against West Chester in the PSAC Tournament last season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Millersville tallied five blocks, a season high. Five different players accounted for one each, also a season-first. 
• Despite making 10 more baskets than Millersville, Gannon totaled just one more assist (nine to eight). 

POSTGAME REACTION FROM HEAD COACH KIRA MOWEN

• Overall thoughts: "I think that we executed the game plan for 2.5 quarters. In the late 3rd and 4th we stopped playing the way we know how to play. Outside of turnovers and free throws, we hung with one of the best teams in the country."
• On Gannon's defensive length: "Gannon is a team that does have tremendous length, and we will need to handle pressure from teams that are long. It wasn't our ball-handing today, but our passing game that got us into trouble on offense"

UP NEXT

• The Marauders travel to Seton Hill to take on the Griffins on Jan. 3 at 5:30 pm.