Slow Start Costs Saints in Chicago | Schools

CLINTON, Iowa--After wrapping up a four-game homestand, the Ashford women's basketball team headed out on the road for the second of three meetings with the Eagles of Robert Morris on Thursday night.Three Saints finished in double-figures, led by 14 points from Quinn Rear and Deana Bledsoe's third career double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds), but the Saints fell to the Eagles, 67-53.

Ashford got 10 points from sophomore Madison Wagner and 15 rebounds from senior Gaby Ayon,  but the Saints could not overcome a tough night shooting, connecting on only 22.9% (16-for-70) of their shots from the floor. 

The Eagles came flying out of the gate in the opening six minutes, seizing command with a 12-2 run. Ashford would show their resolve after falling behind, clawing to within 22-16 after a Wagner jumper with two minutes to go in the half.  

But the rally would be squashed by the hosts, who pulled away at the end of the opening frame to take a 27-16 lead into the break. 

The Saints would counter out of the intermission, cutting the lead to 36-31 with 15:15 to go in the ball game. But just like the end of the first half, the Eagles quickly re-claimed momentum, outscoring the Saints 18-3 over the next 10 minutes to put the game out of reach.

Ashford would cut the lead down to 10 with three minutes to go, but would come no closer, falling to 10-14 on the year. 

Robert Morris improves to 16-8 on the year with the win.

After their brief road trip, the Saints return to Kehl Arena a pair of home tilts, starting with the Tigers of Iowa Wesleyan College on Tuesday, Jan. 29. 

Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. in Clinton.