A superb defensive effort mixed with a strong second half and a clutch free throw in the closing minute helped the Aquinas women's basketball team hold off visiting Shawnee State on Saturday (Oct. 28) in the Sturrus Center. AQ overcame a first half 10-point deficit and outscored the Bears 31-23 in the second half to win a thrilling season opener, 62-61.

It was the 2023-24 opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon, as the Saints and Shawnee State both worked through opening game struggles on the offensive end of the floor. Aquinas (1-0) shot 34.4 percent from the field, but made 6-of-13 shots in a fourth quarter where it outscored the Bears 15-10.

Shawnee State (0-1) was held to 26 percent shooting in the game and just 2-of-21 from three-point range. The Bears made more free throws (21) than field goals (19). 

Despite the offensive issues for the teams, it was an entertaining game that featured 10 ties and nine lead changes. There were six ties in just the fourth quarter. Alona Blackwell gave AQ a 61-59 lead with 1:08 to play on a jumper, but Shawnee State responded with a putback off an offensive rebound to tie the game at 61-all with 23 seconds to play.

On the other end, Ciara Hardy was fouled and made the second free throw on what would be the eventual game-winning point. Shawnee State missed its final shot on the other end of the floor and time eventually ran out on the Bears, as AQ prevailed in the season opener.

Blackwell and Hardy - playing in their first games as Saints - were two of Aquinas' three double-digit scorers. Blackwell played all 40 minutes and posted a game-high 20 points. She made 9-of-14 free throws and added seven rebounds and three steals. Hardy totaled 12 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.

Paige Guernsey notched a big double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, while shooting 6-of-10 from the floor. She dished out four assists, as did Alexis Thomas, who also ripped down seven boards. 

Shawnee State led 18-14 after the first quarter, thanks to an 8-for-8 effort at the free throw line. The lead grew to 38-31 at halftime, with the Bears finishing the opening 20 minutes with a 20-for-22 mark at the charity stripe, good for more than half of their points. AQ managed to stay within striking distance at halftime by holding SSU to 0-for-10 shooting from long range. 

The Saints trailed 43-37 midway through the third quarter but used a 9-0 run to regain a 46-43 cushion. Guernsey scored four points, Blackwell hit a jumper, and Ashlyn Wilkes hit a three-pointer to help swing the score back in AQ's favor. Shawnee State, however, responded with an 8-1 run to close the quarter and take a 51-47 advantage to the fourth quarter.

Aquinas counterpunched with a 7-0 run that was started by a layup from Brynn Reams and saw five straight points from Guernsey. The game would be tied again at points 54, 56, 58, 59, and 61 before Hardy's clinching free throw.

Wilkes chipped in seven points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Reams added six points and four rebounds in 12 productive minutes off the bench. 

Both teams were active on the boards, with AQ owning a 53-48 edge. Shawnee State was better on the offensive glass with a 23-20 advantage. AQ held a 14-10 lead in points off turnovers and an 8-4 fast break cushion, while SSU outscored Aquinas in the paint (30-28) and in second chance points (18-10).

The Saints return to action in an exhibition contest on Sunday (Oct. 29) at Western Michigan at 1:00 p.m. AQ is back at the Sturrus Center on Wednesday (Nov. 1) against IU-South Bend at 5:30 p.m.