CHICAGO – University of Chicago women's basketball began the 2024 calendar year by taking on their fifth straight team that was either ranked or receiving votes in the national polls when WashU came to town. The Maroons won three quarters of the contest but couldn't find a way to shut the door in the fourth as the Bears came back to grab a ten-point victory on Saturday.

FINAL SCORE
(RV) WashU – 79
(RV) UChicago – 69

HOW IT HAPPENED

• With each team just on the outside of the Top 25, both (RV) University of Chicago (7-5, 0-1 UAA) and (RV) Washington University (8-4, 1-0 UAA) tried to make a statement in the first quarter. However, it would end up being a slow start for each squad with the two teams both shooting under 31 percent for the frame.
• Up 13-11 after one stanza, both the Bears and Maroons started to find their rhythm with the latter shooting a game high 55.5 percent from the field over the ten minutes. UChicago grew their lead to as much as ten points twice after baskets from Ellie Gross and Sophia North and went into the break with a four-point advantage.
• That lead only grew in the third with the home team outscoring the visitors 23-18 in the period. The Maroons made all six shots from the charity stripe and hit three from downtown and entered the fourth looking to snap their losing streak.
• Unfortunately, Chicago couldn't seal the deal. The Maroons made just three shots in the period while WashU hit a lights out 71.4 percent of their attempts. UChicago held the lead up until a three pointer with 4:31 left and couldn't right the ship in what ended up being a ten point loss.

CHICAGO COMMENTS

• ""Though we lost, we came out really strong and won the first half and the third quarter. Our ability to control the pace of the game when we play disciplined and together really came through during those first three quarters, which is really exciting. Today's game showed us how we will succeed in the future by carrying that discipline and togetherness through the fourth quarter as well." – Sophomore forward Lindsey Carter
• "The excitement was high to start UAA play today vs. WashU. For three quarters, it was one of our best games in recent memory. Our fourth quarter showed growth and we'll get better because of it. We're excited to keep going in UAA play and make the statement we are ready for." - Head coach Maria Williamson

UCHICAGO STAT TRACKER
Points – Kate Gross (18)
Rebounds – Three with six
Assists – Ellie Gross (5)
Steals – Ellie Gross (3)
Blocks – None

WHO'S ON DECK
The three game homestand will continue on Friday when the Maroons welcome the Yellowjackets of Rochester to the Ratner Athletic Center. Tipoff comes your way at 5:30 pm.

For up-to-the-minute University of Chicago Maroons news, visit www.athletics.uchicago.edu. You can also follow us on Twitter @uchicagoath and @uchicagoathletics on Instagram.