HOLLAND, Mich. (Dec. 12) – Despite playing a very competitive first half, the Saint Vincent Bearcats dropped a 84-68 decision to the University of Chicago in the semifinals of the Post-Exam Jam Tournament at the DeVos Fieldhouse, on the campus of Hope College.

Chicago got off to a strong start, scoring the first seven points of the contest and eventually building a 9-2 lead three minutes into the game. Graduate forward Taylor Mathers converted a layup with 16:50 to play in the first half, cutting the Chicago lead to 9-6.

UC used an 8-to-2 run to extend its lead to 18-8 with 13:31 to play in the half. The lead was the largest for the Maroons in the first half.

Saint Vincent showed resiliency, answering with a big run of its own. The Bearcats used a 13-to-2 to take their first lead of the contest (21-20) at the 9:59 mark. The run was sparked by a three pointer from sophomore guard Jasmine Weems followed by four free throws from sophomore Mara Benvenuti.

The Maroons built their lead back to seven at the 6:10 mark of the first half but it was back and forth from that point forward. Senior guard Ally Schmidt connected on a pair of free throws with 40 seconds left to cut the deficit to 41-39.

Chicago started the second half strong, scoring the first six points to push its lead to eight points (49-39) at the 18:04 mark. Mathers made back-to-back jumpers to trim the Chicago lead to 49-45 with 16:20 to play. However, the Maroons pushed the lead back to double figures quickly thereafter. The Chicago lead reached its largest of the game at 65-50, with 9:52 to play.

Saint Vincent put together a bit of a run, cutting the deficit to 70-63 on a layup by Schmidt with 4:40 to play. However, Chicago hit a three pointer as the shot clock was expiring on the next possession to push the lead back to double figures and take the sails out of an SVC comeback attempt.

Mathers once again led the way offensively, putting together another double-double effort, with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Benvenuti added 11 points while Weems chipped in 10 points to round out the Bearcats trio of double-digit offensive scorers.

Shooting played a big part of the story in the game. Chicago converted 44.8 percent (26-of-58) field goal attempts, including 10-of-21 (47.6 percent) from three point range. Saint Vincent made just 33.9 percent from the field (20-of-59). The Bearcats did do a solid job at the free throw line, converting 23 of 30 attempts (76.7 percent). Chicago also outrebounded Saint Vincent 43-to-34 in the contest.

With the loss, Saint Vincent falls to 6-1 while Chicago improved to 3-4 overall.

Saint Vincent wraps up play in the Hope Tournament, facing Saint Marys (Ind.) Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m.