Box Score

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (December 28, 2011) -- The Vassar College women's basketball team's six-game winning streak to start the season came to an end with a 73-68 loss to Marywood University on Wednesday at the ICI Center in the Land of Magic Classic.

In a close contest with four lead changes and four ties in the second half, the game's final tie came at 59-59 with 4:21 remaining. Marywood took a five-point lead at 64-59 after which Vassar came no closer than a three-point deficit.

The Brewers (6-1) face Kean University on Friday, December 30 at 2:00 p.m. in a rematch of last year's NCAA Division III Championship first round game, won by Kean 80-49. This is Vassar's best start since the 2000-2001 season when the team began 8-0. The  Pacers (7-2) have won three straight and wrap up the calendar year against Trine University on Friday at 12:00 p.m.

With the Brewers trailing 56-55, sophomore guard Cydni Matsuoka hit a 3-pointer to put Vassar ahead 58-56 with 6:17 to play. Marywood's Morgann Haduck tied the game at 58-58 with a layup. Vassar regained the lead 59-58 one minute later with a free throw by freshman Allyson Pemberton.

It was Vassar's final lead of the game as Marywood's Maggie Presnal made a pair of free throws for a 60-59 lead with 4:21 remaining. Marywood's Marielle Thorsen and Carly Leitzel followed with jumpers to cap a six-point Pacer run for a 64-59 lead with 2:54 to play.

Vassar senior guard Brittany Parks gave the Brewers hope with a driving layup to cut the lead to 66-63 with 1:44 remaining. Marywood extended the lead to 69-63 on a 3-pointer by Haduck with 1:14 remaining, and sealed the victory with free throws in the final minute.

Although the Brewers held a 50-28 rebound advantages, Vassar's 23 turnovers led to a 24-10 points off turnovers advantage for the Pacers.

Matsuoka posted a pair of game-highs with 20 points and five assists for Vassar. Freshman Colleen O'Connell collected her fourth double-double in seven games with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Senior forward Kristyn Tempora was just shy of a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

Four Pacers reached double figures in scoring as Mariah Schaeffer led the Pacers with 18 points and Presnal finished with 15 points and three assists. Haduck netted 12 points and Allison Bruet contributed 10 points and a game-high four steals. Leitzel led Marywood with eight rebounds.