The Emory University women's basketball team saw its four-game winning streak to open the season snapped Saturday afternoon, falling to No. 15 ranked University of Mary Hardin-Baylor 63-59 in the first game of the Emory Tip Off Classic in Atlanta.
Sophomore Morgan Laudick led all scorers with a career-best 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. Senior Claire Brock notched 15 points with junior Erin Martin adding 10 points and seven boards. Sophomore Daniella Aronsky dished out eight assists to lead both squads.
The first quarter saw eight lead changes before the Eagles used an 8-0 run, including seven from Brock, to move in front 20-15 early in the second quarter. Emory was able to maintain the lead until an Addy Self layup with 2:06 to go in the half pushed UMHB back in front 27-26. The teams traded baskets before Laudick ended the half with back-to-back buckets to give Emory the 32-30 lead heading into the break.
The Cru gained the lead on a three two minutes into the third and was able to keep the lead for the rest of the period, leading by as many as six points.
An 11-0 Emory run thanks to five points from Laudick, four from junior Paige Gross and a go-ahead basket by Martin helped the Eagles move ahead 57-54 with 5:12 remaining.
However, it was UMHB who capitalized on free throws down the stretch, ending the game on a 9-2 run as Emory missed its final eight field goal attempts.
The Eagles look to for the quick rebound as they close out the Classic Sunday evening against Piedmont, starting at 5:00 PM. The Lions stand 3-0 this season following an 81-73 defeat of Lynchburg on Saturday.