GOSHEN, Ind. - The Maple Leafs dropped a close contest against MVNU, 65-60. The Leafs started off strong in the first quarter, outscoring the Cougars 19-13. 

The Maple Leaf offense cooled down in the second quarter. The Leafs only scored ten points in the second quarter. By halftime, the Leafs had a two point advantage, 29-27. 

At the start of the third quarter, MVNU used a 12-2 run to take a six point lead, 39-33. During the 12-2 run, the Leafs went 1-7 from the field. A three-point bucket from Zion Neat ended MVNU's run and the Leafs cut the deficit to three. MVNU forced a Maple Leaf turnover and converted on their last two possessions of the third quarter, extending their lead to five at the end of three quarters. 

In the fourth quarter, the Leafs used a 7-2 run, sparked by an Ava Lickliter three-pointer to tie the game at 46-46 with 8:12 remaining in the game. The teams traded baskets the next two possessions. A foul called on Ava Lickliter with 5:16 remaining sent MVNU's Teresa Maggio to the line where she converted both free throws, and the Cougars took the lead for good. 

The Leafs came close several times down the stretch, but were unable to seal the deal. Zion Neat led the Leafs in scoring with 16 points. She also grabbed seven rebounds, which is her third-most in a game this season. Syanne Mohamed grabbed a team-high eight rebounds and added 13 points. This is Mohamed's sixth straight game with eight or more rebounds. Ava Lickliter scored 11 points and dished out four assists which ties her season-high in assists in conference play. 

The Leafs fall to 9-12 and 3-9 in conference play. The Leafs will be back in action when they travel to Indianapolis to take on the #15 ranked Marian University on Wednesday, February 5th. Tip off is set for 5:30 pm.