NOTRE DAME, Ind. - At the Angela Athletic and Wellness Complex,
Chelsea Palmer went off for a season-high 24 points and 12 rebounds, and
Makayla Clement set a career-high 22 points to help guide the Bulldog women's basketball team to its first victory since January 8.
With their efforts, Palmer and Clement became the first pair of Bulldog teammates to each record 20-plus points in a game since February of 2021.
The key stretch for the visitors came in the fourth quarter on Saturday.
With the Belles slowing chipping away at Adrian's lead, it was beginning to look like a barn burner in the making. A pair of free throws by the home team pulled them within three at 67-64, but that is as close as they would get from that point on.
A three-pointer from
Kiaya Warner with 2:25 remaining in regulation triggered an explosive 12-3 run by the black and gold to ultimately put the game away. Palmer was responsible for seven of those Adrian points, including an ice-cold three-point play in the final minute.
Clement turned in most of her damage on the scoresheet from downtown, connecting on a season-best 5-of-9 from three-point territory. The freshman also collected eight rebounds, two steals and two assists.
Adrian led 19-11 after the first ten minutes, thanks in part to a 12-4 run that began with a fastbreak lay-up by Palmer, and ended with a quick transition put-in by
Chloe Gilbert.
The 'Dogs led by an many as 14 points in both the second and third quarters, using a strong presence in the paint to help aid their advantage.
All told, the locals shot a season third-best 46.7 percent from the floor, including a season-high 10 made three-point baskets.
Katy Shannon also posted a season-high, tying
Kiara Wernette with six assists.
Adrian faces a short week ahead, beginning with a home bout against Alma on Monday before another home match-up on Wednesday with Olivet.
