IMMACULATA, Pa.- Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Mighty Macs (7-17, 6-9 CSAC) led for three quarters over visiting Keystone (6-17, 5-9 CSAC), but the Giants took control of the game and held an eight point lead with 1:55 to go before a late IU rally, however a potential game-winning three pointer from sophomore Annie Kohutka with two seconds left hit the back rim, and the Macs fell 67-66 as they were eliminated from playoff contention.
 
Freshman Theresa Kearney scored a career-high 25 points with eight rebounds while junior Amber Ballinger scored 23 to account for a majority of the Mighty Mac offense.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
-Both teams struggled offensively out of the gates, but the Macs held an 8-4 lead through six minutes before sophomore Molly Gallagher hit the first bucket for the Macs and gave them a 10-4 lead with three to go in the first quarter
-IU held a 14-11 lead at the end of the first after a pair of free throws by Kohutka
-Keystone whittled the lead down to one at 16-15 before a 9-0 run by the Macs gave them a 25-15 lead
-Gallagher hit a free throw before a pair of buckets by Kearney, a layup by sophomore Erin Wingen and two Ballinger free throws
-The lead was at nine points with two minutes to go in the half, but the Giants closed on a 7-2 run to cut the Immaculata lead to 29-25 going to the locker room
-The offense increased for both teams in the third quarter as Keystone outscored IU, 21-20.  The Macs made seven of their first 12 field goal attempts and Ballinger hit four three pointers in the period, but Keystone kept pace and the game went to the fourth quarter with the Macs leading 49-46
-Keystone finally tied the game for the first time at 50-50 with 8:04 to go and took the lead for good on a pair of free throws with 6:39 to go
-The lead grew to eight points at 64-56 with 1:55 remaining in the game before the Macs went on one final push
-Kearney and Ballinger hit back-to-back lay-ups and Kearney hit a step back three pointer to complete a 7-0 run and make it 64-63 with 43 seconds to go in the game
-Keystone then drew up a play and got an open look at a three pointer which they hit, but the Macs responded with another step back three by Kearney to make it 67-66 with 14 seconds left
-A travelling violation on the Giants gave the Macs one more chance, but Kohutka's last second three-pointer from the corner hit the back of the iron and the Macs fell by one
 
KEY TEAM STATS
-The Macs struggled shooting from the field at 21-for-66 (31.8%) and Keystone was 27-for-64 (42.2%)
-IU was 5-for-19 (26.3%) from three while Keystone was 3-for-9 (33.3%)
-The Mighty Macs had a big advantage at the charity stripe at 19-for-24 (79.2%) and Keystone was 10-for-11 (90.9%)
-Keystone turned the ball over 18 times while the Macs were outstanding with just nine turnovers
-Keystone had an advantage on the glass at 47-36
 
KEY PLAYER STATS
-IU Point Leaders: Kearney 25, Ballinger 23, Kohutka 9
-IU Rebound Leaders: Kearney 8, Halloran 7, Veneziano 6
-IU Assist Leaders: Cocci 2, Halloran 2
-Kearney had three blocks and two steals while Ballinger had three steals
 
UP NEXT
The Mighty Macs will close the regular season with their Play4Kay and Senior Night against Cabrini at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Alumnae Hall