Saint Mary's split their opening games this weekend, taking a thrilling 75-73 victory over Illinois College on Friday night before dropping a 62-42 contest to Wheaton on Saturday at the Beth Baker Tournament.
Junior guard Shanlynn Bias was the hero for Saint Mary's against Illinois College, making a layup as she was fouled with three seconds left to lift the Belles to a victory in their first game of the season. Bias had a career-high 17 points for Saint Mary's.
Freshman forward Krista Knapke chipped in 16 points in her first-ever college contest, while freshman forward Emily Page added 14 points to the victor's score.
The victory marked the fifth straight season-opening win for the Belles and earned the Belles a chance to play in the tournament's championship game. Unfortunately for Saint Mary's, host Wheaton was too much to handle as the Belles dropped a 62-42 decision. Bias again led Saint Mary's in scoring, putting up 15 points in the defeat.
Bias and Knapke were both named to the All-tournament team.
Saint Mary's next takes on Anderson on the road tonight at 7:30 p.m.
