SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Lewis University women's basketball team took over first place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with a 75-73 victory against Drury Saturday (Feb. 1). 

TEAM RECORDS
Lewis 17-2, 11-1 GLVC | Drury 15-5, 11-2 GLVC
                    
LEWIS LEADERS vs. DRURY
Points: Ally Cesarini (La Grange, Ill./Lyons Township) (21), Taylor Gugliuzza (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West) (15), Cierra McNamee (Moline, Ill./Illinois Central College) (14), Jenna Badali (Oak Lawn, Ill./Mother McAuley) (13)
Rebounds: McNamee (7)
Assists: Badali (2), Gugliuzza (2)
Steals: Gugliuzza (2)
Blocks: McNamee (2)

GAME SUMMARY
Drury jumped out to an early 14-8 lead in the first four plus minutes. Lewis responded with eight unanswered, four from Cesarini and McNamee to grab a 16-14 lead.

The Panthers started the second quarter with a 10-4 run to give them a 28-24 advantage but that was the last time Drury scored. Lewis closed out the half with 13 unanswered with the last 6:19 and went up 37-28 at the break.

Lewis built out its lead to 11 (42-31) after a layup from Gugliuzza and a three-pointer by Cesarini with 9:02 in the third. Drury went on a 13-2 run the next 4:02 which tied it at 44-44 with five minutes left in the period. 

The Flyers regained the lead after Badali knocked down a triple. Lewis was able to hang onto its lead throughout the rest of the third after knocking down their free throws. 

Drury started the fourth with a three-pointer to grab a 57-55 lead in the opening minute. Lewis scored back-to-back layups from McNamee and Cesarini to regain the lead at 59-57.

The Panthers had the response with a 7-2 run in the next three minutes which gave Drury an 64-61 advantage with 5:36 in the contest. Moments later, Drury made it 69-65 with three minutes to go.

Lewis bounced back with seven straight, including a layup from Cesarini, a three-pointer by Tara Gugliuzza (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West) and a jumper by Taylor Gugliuzza (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way West), which made 72-69 with 46 seconds left in the game. Drury tried to shift momentum back with the next basket but the Flyers were able to hold them off with the 75-73 victory.

UP NEXT
Lewis will be back in action at Neil Carey Arena Thursday, February 6 as the Flyers host Missouri-St. Louis starting at 5:30 p.m. CT. It will be the Christian Brothers Bash and White Out!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to join us Saturday, February 8 as we induct our newest members of the Academy of Coaches at halftime of the women's basketball game against Lincoln.
 
FLYERS ANNUAL FUND
Support the Flyers by making a gift to the Flyers Athletics Fund at https://lewisflyers.com/202425AnnualFund