NAPLES, Fla. - The Immaculata University women's basketball team completed its stay at the Naples Shootout Sunday afternoon, dropping a 69-56 decision to Drew University to conclude play in the 2018 calendar year. The Mighty Macs held an early first half lead in the matchup, but were unable to keep pace with the Rangers down the stretch in the non-conference tilt.

Theresa Kearney led the Macs with 15 points and six rebounds, while Amber Ballinger poured in 11 of her own to record her sixth double-figure scoring game of the young season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
-The Mighty Macs jumped out to an early lead in the opening minutes of Sunday's contest behind consecutive field goals from Kearney and Natalie Ayoub to open the game, before Annie Kohutka's three-pointer made it a four-point lead at the 7:44 mark.
-Despite falling behind in the following minutes, Kearney drained a three to regain the lead at 13-12 with just under four minutes to play in the opening quarter but the Rangers rallied back to take a 16-13 lead into the second quarter.
-IU opened the second quarter with a quick 5-0 run to jump back out in front by two, but the Rangers outscored the Macs 17-7 to end the half to take an eight point lead into the break.
-The Macs trailed by ten in the early moments of the second half, but a 9-1 run positioned the Macs within one possession at the 6:27 mark of the third quarter, capped off by a Meghan Ricker trey.
-The Rangers answered right back with a 16-6 run of their own to close the third quarter - extending the lead to 12 in the process - and held the Macs in check the rest of the way to take the Naples Shootout finale, 69-56.

TEAM COMPARISON
-The Macs shot 20-of-49 (40.8%) from the field, falling just shy of Drew's 26-of-59 (44.1%) performance.
-IU converted on 9-of-22 attempts (40.9%) from beyond the arc. Drew finished the afternoon 6-of-13 (46.2).
-Drew controlled the battle on the boards, 40-29.
-The Macs committed 21 turnovers while forcing Drew into 19. IU totaled nine steals in the effort. Each side scored 18 points off turnovers.

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
-Points: Kearney 15, Ballinger 11, Ayoub 8
-Assists: Ricker/Kelly/Ballinger 3
-Rebounds: Kearney 6, Ballinger/Rigo 5
-Blocks: Rigo 3

UP NEXT
Immaculata (4-9) returns home to Alumnae Hall Thursday to host Ursinus in non-conference action at 6 p.m.