University of St. Thomas Athletics
24-0 (17-0MIAC)
Bethel
19-5 (13-4MIAC)
Women pushed, but close out 24th victory
2/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Senior Jenna Dockter scored 16 of her 19 points in the second half and chipped in nine assists as No. 2-ranked St. Thomas held off second-place Bethel, 81-77, in MIAC women's basketball play Wednesday night in Arden Hills.
Senior Maggie Weiers added 23 points and seven boards for the Tommies (24-0 overall, 17-0 MIAC), who snapped the Royals' 11-game winning streak. UST climbed to 12-0 in road games.
Anna Smith had 15 points and nine rebounds; Katie Stone scored 10 points; and Elaine Warner had nine points to lead a 14-2 edge in bench scoring.
The Tommies converted 8-of-12 from behind the 3-point arc, with six different players making at least one trey. UST shot 57 percent from the field, and had only seven turnovers.
The Toms got their toughest 40-minute test of the season. Coach Ruth Sinn's team had won 22 of its first 23 games by 12 points or more and held every previous team under 59 points.
Bethel (19-5, 13-4) had a 41-24 rebounding advantage and converted 50 percent from the floor to hang in the contest.
The Royals' only lead came at 1-0. They trailed 45-41 at halftime and quickly got within two points at 45-43 but never got closer than four points in the final 18:00.
The Toms will attempt to close out a 25-0 regular season Saturday at home against Hamline (1 p.m.).
