MARIETTA, Ohio - Sometimes, 40 minutes isn't enough time.
Trailing by 11 with 0:50 left, Heidelberg University women's basketball used a combination of timely scoring and frenetic defense to close the Marietta College lead to three. Solid free throw shooting helped the Pioneers thwart the rally and emerge with a 69-64 win.
Three Student Princes finished in double-figures, led by Kathleen Phillips (Sandusky/St. Mary's) with 21 points.
Phillips connected on a 3-pointer with 15:27 left in the first half to give Heidelberg (5-16, 1-13 OAC) an 11-9 lead.
Marietta (7-14, 2-12 OAC) answered with a 23-6 run over a ten-minute span to take control of the game.
After halftime, Heidelberg chopped Marietta's 11-point lead down to four after Paige Ricketts (Mineral City / Tusky Valley) connected on a 3-pointer with 13:33 left. Ricketts finished with 13 points and eight rebounds.
As the game progressed, Marietta would regroup and regain their advantage.
In the final minute, Megan Miller (Tiffin/Columbian) started the Berg rally with a layup, which made the score 64-55. Jordan Ickes (Wooster/Triway) followed with a steal and two free throws.
After Ricketts followed with a steal and free throws, Heidelberg trailed 64-59 with 0:34 left.
The Pioneers wrapped three free throws around a missed Berg jumper to push their lead to 67-59 with 0:20 remaining.
After Miller connected on a 3-pointer, Nicole Payne (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy) forced a turnover. Miller scored on another layup to cut the lead to 67-64.
Marietta would add two more free throws before time expired.
Miller finished with 16 points.
Erin Sims (Newark/Newark Central Catholic) recorded five blocked shots in the loss.
Heidelberg will stay on the road on Wednesday, traveling to Ada to take on Ohio Northern. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.