UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio - November 11, 2022 - Hiram's second game of the campaign went down to the wire, but a late-game surge from St. John Fisher proved to be too much in a 68-61 loss on Friday evening. The game was played at the DeCarlo Varsity Center as part of the John Carroll University Tip-Off Classic, a two-day event featuring four teams.

Senior Haley Thompson led the way with a game-high 24 points, while sophomore Brooke Hickman filled the stat sheet for 21 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks. Hiram's offense found its groove with 28 points in the third quarter --  its most points in any quarter this season -- and the defense forced 23 turnovers throughout the tightly contested battle. St. John Fisher was the No. 17 team in multiple preseason polls, according to D3Hoops.com and the WBCA coaches poll.

In the opening quarter, both squads were eager to gain a competitive edge. High pressure, tight defense and ample communication marked the first 10 minutes of play. Hiram's initial offensive spark came on a three-pointer by Thompson. The rest of the Terriers matched her energy, as senior Iyana Smith and sophomore Jocelyn Janda added another pair of three-pointers before the opening quarter closed with an 11-10 lead.

The defensive pressure continued into the second quarter with both teams trading points, but the Cardinals clung to momentum with an aggressive full-court press that stumped the Terriers late in the first half. Hiram would keep pace and trailed by just 2 points at the half (27-25), with Hickman leading both sides of the ball with 11 points and 5 blocks.

In the third quarter, the Terriers were able to reclaim the sway of momentum.

Thompson embodied the spirit of the quarter, with her point total reaching 20 as the final seconds ticked off the clock. Thompson's energy resulted in pivotal defensive stops, fast-break opportunities and forced timeouts.

The fourth quarter would prove to be the final test.

The Cardinals brought a new level of energy to the final quarter, as they went on a scoring run and took a 66-60 lead with a minute remaining. Hiram's only option was to foul in order to stop the clock.

St. John Fisher's lead would be enough to propel them to the 68-61 final score.

The Terriers will look to bounce back in their next game on Saturday against John Carroll University at 2 p.m. This will be their second game of the John Carroll Tip-Off Classic.