CHICAGO, Ill. -- Despite having one of the most energetic starts to their season thus far, the Sabercats were unable to hold off Illinois Tech for very long. They ended up falling 35-91, shooting only 24.6 percent from the field. 

Burdened with multiple injuries and illnesses, Maranatha switched things up with a new lineup, giving Beka Donovan and Katelyn Shank their first collegiate starts for the Sabercats.

STORY

Despite a few set-backs that resulted in a 25 minute delayed start time, the Sabercats did not seem all that phased. They came out with a spurt of energy, putting the first points on the board and holding their opponents to zero through their first five possessions. 

But Maranatha's turnovers eventually started to catch up to them and Illinois Tech started to pull away, finishing the first quarter with a 20 point lead (27-7 IIT).

The Sabercats continued to fight until the very end, pushing themselves to new limits physically. And while they were able to get some good shot selections, the ball was just refusing to fall for them. 

Things finished in favor of Illinois Tech, who earned a solid 91-35 victory with four individuals finishing in double digits. 

For the Sabercats, Paige Joiner had another double-digit scoring game, finishing with 17-points and 6 rebounds. Kyria Teachout also grabbed 6 rebounds and chipped in 10 points. 

With this loss moving them to 0-9, Maranatha hopes to end the semester on a high note with a win tomorrow against Dominican. 
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Maranatha Starters: 4-Steuerwald, 10-Joiner, 15-Shank, 21-Mikkelson (C), 23-Donovan

OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 35-91 Illinois Tech
• Venue: Keating Sports Center - Illinois Institute of Technology
• Location: Chicago, Ill.
• Attendance: 49
• Records: MBU (0-9), IIT (3-5)

STATS 

• Last time: Maranatha fell 46-97 to IIT on December 13, 2022
• Series: Maranatha currently leads the all-time series against IIT 5-2

OPPONENTS

• IIT competes in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NCAA - Dlll)
• IIT finished the '23-24 season with a 5-19 record

NEXT

The Sabercats return to Chicago tomorrow to face Dominican at 3:30 PM. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.