SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – In a matchup between two of the Crossroads League's top teams, the No. 18 ranked Spring Arbor University women's basketball team fell to No. 5 Marian University, 55-40, on Wednesday night inside the McDonald Athletic Center.
 
With the setback, SAU moves to 17-4 overall and 8-3 in league play.
 
The contest was tight early with Marian holding an 18-13 edge after the first quarter and a 32-27 advantage at halftime. However, the Knights were able to create separation late in the third quarter as the Spring Arbor offense struggled to find its rhythm and was held to four points in the period.
 
In the fourth quarter, Marian was able to maintain a double-digit lead on its way to securing its 19th win of the season.
 
Defensively, Spring Arbor held one of the nation's most potent offenses well below its season average. The Knights, who entered the game averaging 80.0 points per contest, were held to just 55 – their second-lowest scoring output of the year. The Cougars also forced Marian into 20 turnovers, the most the Knights have committed this season.
 
Megan Zeitz led SAU with nine points while Alayna Kulesza added eight. Emma Smieska and Haven Chapman each contributed four points and six rebounds.
 
Spring Arbor returns to action at home on Saturday, Jan. 31 when it hosts Mount Vernon Nazarene University at 1 p.m.