ANGOLA, Ind.--Defending Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champion Trine University used a good defense to stifle visiting Adrian College for a 74-35 victory in women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon.

THE BASICS
Final Score: Trine University 74, Adrian College 35

Location: Angola, Ind. (MTI Center)

Records: Trine Thunder 20-2 overall, 12-1 MIAA; Adrian Bulldogs 8-13 overall, 5-8 MIAA

NCAA Division III National Rankings: Trine is No. 8 in Women's Basketball Coaches Association Top-25 poll (138 points) and No. 9 by D3hoops.com (428 points) 

TOP 'DAWGS
= Junior Ashley Morris led Adrian with nine points and a game-high nine rebounds.

= Freshman Sha'Trice Graves led all student-athletes with three blocked shots, plus she had six points off the bench.  

THE OPPOSITION
= All-American Brandi Dawson scored a game-best 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds, had four steals and added two assists.

= Hayley Martin matched Dawson with team-high honors with seven rebounds and she posted 16 points.

= Cassidy Williams dished four assists.  

HOW IT HAPPENED
= Trine led the rest of the way after Morris made 1 of 2 technical free throws before the game began when there was an error in the official scorebook.

= The Thunder shot 42.3 percent from the field (30-71) while holding Adrian to .238 (10-42).

= Adrian committed 22 turnovers that translated to 28 points for Trine, which also enjoyed a 42-32 rebounding advantage.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
= Despite the loss, Adrian still leads Trine in the all-time series, 17-15. But the Thunder have won the past four meetings.

= Adrian has scored fewer than 50 points in three consecutive games for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign.

UP NEXT
= After a brief two-game road swing, Adrian returns home to the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center next Saturday to host MIAA opponent Olivet College for its annual Think Pink and Alumnae Game. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.  

#AdrianBulldogs #GoDawgs #GDTBAB #BulldogProud