The Saints nearly fought their way back from a 19-point deficit, but visiting Ecclesia College hung on to defeat Central Christian College of the Bible, 73-66, on Saturday in the Ferneau Center.

On Friday night, the Saints topped Kansas Christian College, 86-64, at home in Central Region play.

On Saturday, however, Central Christian found themselves in a 41-22 hole with 1:10 remaining in the first half. Eight quick points by Sara Shoemaker - a drive and score sandwiched around two 3-pointers - in the final 1:05 before halftime gave the Saints a spark.

The Saints got as close as three with 27 seconds left to play, but couldn't get a stop as Ecclesia's Janiyah Davis - who scored a game-high 23 points - sank two free throws with 14 seconds remaining to keep the game out of reach.

FINAL: Ecclesia 73, Central Christian 66
RECORDS: Ecclesia (5-6), Central Christian (7-9)

GAME NOTES:

• Central Christian trailed 22-7 at the end of the first quarter, then 41-30 at half. Ecclesia held a 54-46 lead entering the final quarter of play.
• The Saints outrebounded their guests by a decisive 49-31 margin.
• Ecclesia made up for their disadvantage on the boards by recording 15 steals and forcing 23 CCCB turnovers.
• Central Christian was just 16-for-26 at the free throw line.

TOP PERFORMERS:

• Sara Shoemaker: 18 points, 5 rebounds
• Savanna Luna: 15 points, 4 rebounds
• Abby Rosson: 11 points, 9 rebounds
• Alaina Woods: 10 points, 11 rebounds
• Jersey Bailey.: 8 points, 11 rebounds

UP NEXT:

The Saints will face MCCC-foe Barclay College in Haviland, Kan., on Friday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m.