Tartans Tripped at Home by Judges

(PITTSBURGH, Pa) - The Carnegie Mellon University women's basketball team fell at home to Brandeis University, 78-61, on Friday, January 11. The Tartans are now 9-4 for the year and 0-2 in the University Athletic Association (UAA), while the Judges move to 6-6 and 2-0.

The Tartans were led by freshman Leah Weslock's (Howell, Mich. / Howell) 17 points. Junior Makayla Filiere (Chandler, Ariz. / Hamilton) scored 12 points, all in the first half, while dishing out five assists. Senior Jenn Mayberger (Chesterfield, Mo. / Cor Jesu Academy) handed out eight assists.

Brandeis shot 46.2% from the field and added 26 made free throws in 31 attempts (83.9%) for the game in contrast to the Tartans 22.9% performance from the floor and 7-of-10 showing from the free throw line.

The Tartans last lead of the game came in the early minutes of the first quarter after junior Katie Higgins (Montclair, N.J. / Montclair) hit a three-pointer and Filiere connected on a jumper following a steal by Mayberger to make the score 5-4. The Judges then scored eight straight to lead 12-5 until the 3:41 mark when Higgins made two free throws. The Judges would end up leading 19-10 at the first break.

Carnegie Mellon improved its shooting in the second period but made just five baskets and trailed 30-20 despite causing 15 turnovers by the Judges for the half.

Just as the Tartans cut into the deficit and brought it down to six points off a three-pointer by Weslock late in the third period, the Judges answered with a triple of their own and then went back up by 12 heading into the final period.

Brandeis was led by sophomore Camila Casanueva's 27 points and 10 rebounds.

The Tartans will next host New York University (7-4, 0-2) on Sunday, January 13 at 2:00 p.m.