McNally Breaks Marian's Single-Season Scoring Record in NAIA Tournament Round of 16 Victory

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - The Marian women's basketball team shined bright on Thursday night, out-gunning No. 2 seed in the Naismith Quadrant the University of the Cumberlands 77-72. Marian's victory in the NAIA Tournament Round of 16 improves their record to 27-7, as they advance to the quarterfinal round for the fourth consecutive season.

The Knights grabbed the first taste of the lead Thursday night, pouncing on the Patriots with a quick 5-0 start from Abbey McNally and Kenna Kirby. Cumberlands would answer with a counter from Kaylie and Kassie Monday, as the Patriots were able to start their offense and grab their first lead after the twin guards each made their first three point shot. Kiley McNally brought the game back to a level 9-9 score with 6:38 to play in the first quarter, vaulting Marian back in the lead as they embarked a 6-0 run with the score. The Knights continued their hot shooting throughout the period, building a lead by as many as seven points in the period. Cumberlands would rally back with the final five points in the quarter, cutting Marian's lead to two entering the second period.

Marian carried a 22-20 advantage into the second quarter, but saw their hold start to slip as the Patriots went on an 10-3 run over the first 3:30 of the period to reclaim the lead. The Knights would play from behind for several minutes, but slowly fought their way back in the lead, as five unanswered points from Taylor Double captured a 34-33 lead. Marian led by three points following the Double sprint and a Kiley McNally score, setting up a back and fourth closing stretch in the half. The Patriots answered Marian and tied the score four times before the half's conclusion, including a game-tying score from Joy Kendrick with five seconds to play. Kendrick's score tied the game 43-43 entering halftime.

Like the second quarter, Cumberlands came out strong to open the new period, firing on all cylinders as they jumped out on a 7-0 run. Olivia Faust put an end to the two-minute scoring spree with a paint basket, helping Marian get in a flow as Abbey McNally picked up her scoring. Five unanswered Marian points from the junior Player of the Year helped claw the Knights within a basket, while Faust narrowed the gap to a point before the five-minute mark. The McNally sisters helped Marian regain the lead as they each combined for three makes at the charity stripe, putting their team on top 56-55. Cumberlands led briefly before the quarter's end, however they failed to overtake the lead as two baskets from the McNally sisters kept Marian in control of the momentum. The game would draw level as the game shifted to the fourth quarter, as a late free throw from Kassie Monday knotted the score 60-60 entering the final stanza. 

As the fourth quarter started, Marian struck first to break the tie, with Abbey McNally giving her team a 62-60 edge. The basket kept Marian in the lead for the remainder of the game, as the advantage swelled behind scores from Kenna Kirby and Taylor Double. The Patriots would score five quick points as the clock rolled under five minutes to play in the game to inch back within one, however it was not enough to overtake Marian, as they withstood the pressure and played sound defense to stay on top 66-65. With 2:12 remaining in the game, Abbey McNally converted a three-point play, extending Marian's lead to four as she scored her 20th point of the contest.

The three-point play kept Marian in the driver's seat, and with 1:06 remaining Madisyn Bailey scored the game-sealing basket, as the Knights led 73-69 following the freshman's score. Kiley McNally added to the lead with 36 seconds to play, and Taylor Double sealed the game with two makes at the foul line in the closing seconds, putting the finishing touches on Marian's 77-72 victory.

Abbey McNally paced the Knights' scoring in the win, as she dropped 20 points while grabbing seven rebounds. McNally's final basket of the game etched her name once more in the Marian record books, as she surpassed Ella Collier's 2023-24 single season scoring record, with the junior ending the game with 668 points on the season to date. Taylor Double scored 16 points in the win, and Madisyn Bailey scored 11 to go with nine assists. Kiley McNally paced the bench with 17 points and eight rebounds. 

Marian will take on No. 1 overall seed in the NAIA Tournament, Dordt University, in the NAIA Quarterfinals on Saturday, March 22. Tip is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET.