Mustangs Drop Nailbiter As Marks Sets Scoring Record

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Senior forward Keara Marks (Detroit, Mich./Renaissance) made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer in the 10+ year history of women’s basketball at Marygrove College. With a layup at the 7:38 mark of the first half Wednesday (Jan. 23), Marks passed former Mustang Amanda DeGain to catapult into first place on the all-time scoring list with over 1,325 career points.

Despite Marks’ record night, the Mustangs (2-19, 0-14 WHAC) dropped a nailbiter to fellow conference newcomer Lawrence Tech University, 67-65. The Blue Devils (6-12, 4-10 WHAC) narrowly escaped Wednesday’s WHAC tilt in Southfield after holding a double-digit lead in the second half.

In first half action, the Mustangs shot out to a 14-9 lead after Arielle Edwards (Grand Rapids, Mich./Ottawa Hills) baseline jumper tickled the twine.

Four early first half fouls on the program’s leading scorer, Marks, stymied the Mustangs attack for the rest of the stanza as the Blue Devils worked their way to a 27-21 halftime lead.

The Mustangs eventually fell behind by double digits with Marks sidelined until late in the second half. Upon her return, the Mustangs received a boost and climbed back into the game to make it a two-possession contest with a minute remaining.

Unfortunately, the Blue Devil lead was too much to overcome as the Mustangs would fall by two, 67-65.

Edwards put together a well-rounded game to help pace the Mustangs with a season-high 20 points and 12 rebounds. The sophomore caught fire late to help bring the Mustangs back to within striking distance.

On her record-breaking night, Marks would net a game-high 21 points to go along with seven boards. Marks’ impressive totals were amassed in the midst of a season-low 25 minutes of action due to the early foul trouble.

Ciara Moore (Detroit, Mich./Northwestern) chipped in with 11 points and eight rebounds in the loss.

The Mustangs return home Saturday (Jan. 26) for a Coaches vs. Cancer contest against WHAC counterpart Madonna University. Tip time is slated for 1:00 p.m. inside Highland Park’s Ford Field House.