MU's McNally Sets Single-Game Scoring Record While Eclipsing 1000th-Career Point Against Grace

Winona Lake, Ind. - Abbey McNally opens up Crossroads League play claiming not only her personal but Marian's overall single-game high with 38 points as well as hitting her 1000th point. The Knights took home the 85-66 win over Grace to start out CL play 1-0 and move to 6-1 overall on the year.

The Knights claimed the early lead in the first quarter gaining an 8 point lead with McNally claiming a layup followed by three jumpers and Olivia Faust claiming a jumper as well. The Lancers attempted to decrease Marian's lead benefiting off of two pairs of free throws and a pair of three pointers but came up short to the visitors. McNally claimed two more jumpers followed by Eva Fisher's jumper to end the quarter 20-12.

Marian opened up the second quarter with McNally claiming three more jumpers with Zoe Wheeler and Faust each claiming a jumper as well to extend the lead to 18 points. The Lancers pushed at Marian's lead with a layup and free throw from Thomas but came up short with McNally claiming another jumper to extend her offensive domination. Grace's offense pushed at Marian claiming a layup, three three pointers, a pair of jumpers and a free throw. The Knights were able to keep their lead with McNally claiming three more jumpers as well as Taylor Double and Fisher each claiming jumpers to bring the score 42-31 going into the half.

Grace opened up the third quarter with a free throw but was followed up by a jumper from McNally. Both side traded free throws with Double claiming the two points for the Knights which was followed up with two more free throws for the Lancers. Double claimed a jumper soon after but Grace fought back with a pair of jumpers and a pair of free throws to bring the score 48-42 in favor of the Knights. Double fought back with a jumper followed by a free throw to extend the margin to nine. Grace attacked with a three but Emily Grim and Wheeler fought back with a pair of jumpers. Wheeler, Grim, and McNally brought the difference back to double digits with four back-to-back jumpers with 42 seconds left in the quarter. Grim sealed the deal with a last second jumper to end the quarter 65-50.

McNally opened up the fourth quarter with a jumper to claim her 1000th career point, career high and single-game high mark with 36 points and counting. Wheeler, Grim, and Faust helped bring the game to a 19 point margin with Wheeler and Grim's jumpers followed by Faust's pair of free throws. Grace attempted to chip at the Knights lead with a pair of jumpers and a free throw bringing the score 75-59. McNally benefited on a foul to claim two more points off of a pair of free throws to set the record at 38 points. Double followed up with a layup and three free throws to claim a 23 point lead over the home team. Grace attempted to come back benefiting off fouls to claim free throw points as well as a jumper but came up short to allow the Knights to claim the 85-66 win.

Abbey McNally dominated with 38 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and one steal in the game. The junior's career-game established a single game scoring record, breaking the mark set by 2017 alumnae Jessica Almeida, who scored 35 points on November 15, 2016 against IU-East. The single game record also allowed McNally to break 1000 career points, as she entered the game with 965 in her career. The junior post is the 26th player in program history to record 1000 career points. 

Taylor Double scored 17 points on the evening and Emily Grim finished with12. Double also grabbed nine rebounds and dished three assists on the evening. Madisyn Bailey led the team in assists with six while Eva Fisher was close behind with five. Bailey and Double also each swiped a pair of steals on the evening.

The Knights will be back in action on Saturday starting out the double header against Spring Arbor starting at 12:00 p.m. and the Men's game following at 2:00 p.m.

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