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WINONA, Minn. - For the second straight game, the Saint Mary's University women's basketball team jumped out to a big lead, only to see that lead evaporate.

Fortunately for coach Mandy Pearson, for the second straight game, the Cardinals were able to hold off a late charge by their opponent to come away with a victory.

SMU held a 51-33 lead with 10 minutes remaining, but Macalester went on an 18-1 run to end the game. That one point turned out to be the difference as SMU topped the Scots 52-51 on Saturday afternoon at SMU Gym.

"It wasn't the way we wanted to finish, but anytime you get a win in this conference it's important," Pearson said.

The Cardinals looked to be in complete control for most of the game, but much like their win over Bethel on Wednesday, the game was far from over.

SMU played well defensively, but had trouble converting on the offensive end, and missed a few key free throws down the stretch.

Macalester had a chance to win the game at the final buzzer as well, but Majra Mucic's turn-around jumper fell off the front of the rim, giving the Cardinals the victory.

"Our defense was great the entire game, and that's what made up for the scoring drought," Pearson said. "But offensively, we were aggressive and doing what we needed to do, up until that last run.

"We got tentative and that really hurt us."

The win gives the Cardinals a much-needed victory in the conference standings and gives them a little extra breathing room for the fifth seed come playoff time.

"Our main goal at the beginning of the year was to make the playoffs, but we really aren't thinking about that right now," Pearson said. "We're just trying to take it one game at a time, but we are playing with a lot of confidence right now."

Cherie Kulig (Independence, Wis.) and Jess Miller (Carver, Minn.) led the Cardinals with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

SMU is back in action on Monday, when it travels to Concordia. Tip-off is set for 4:45 p.m.