LIVONIA, Mich. – Trailing by three points heading into the fourth quarter, the University of Michigan-Dearborn women's basketball team outscored the Madonna Crusaders 22-9 in the fourth quarter to give the Wolverines their first conference win of the season in a 69-59 victory.
The Wolverines sealed the victory by shooting 12-of-14 at the free-throw line down the stretch. Maya Barakat led the Wolverines with 25 points and 11 rebounds, collecting her 11th double-double this season. Jordan Banks finished with 17 points, shooting 7-of-9 at the charity strip and connecting on two triples.
The Wolverines started the fourth quarter with a made layup from India Grissom after stealing an offensive rebound and converting the second-chance points. Madonna went on a small run, making it 53-49, before head coach Brooke Bowers called a timeout at 7:45. Bailey Stimac would get the Wolverines back on track after swiping the inbounds pass and converting the east layup at 6:31. The next time down the floor Maya Barakat was fouled and after an exchange with the referee a Crusader was issued a technical foul allowing for three free-throws for Barakat. The senior converted all three opportunities, giving the Maize & Blue a 54-53 lead.
UM-Dearborn would not relinquish their lead in the final 5:55, propelling them to the 69-59 final score.
The Wolverines are back in action on Wednesday (Feb. 7) against Concordia (MI). Tip-off is set for 5:30 at the Fieldhouse.