Hillsboro, Kan. —Abby Wendte sank a free throw with three seconds remaining to cap a fourth-quarter comeback and send the University of Saint Mary to a 55-53 conference win over the Tabor College Bluejays on Saturday evening in Hillsboro, Kansas.

The Spires trailed most of the night and were down 29-26 at halftime after Tabor controlled the first two quarters, building a double-digit lead at one point in the second. USM gradually cut into the deficit after the break, pulling within one late in the third quarter on a jumper in the paint by Saige Grampsas that made it 39-38. The Spires then outscored the Bluejays 15-8 in the fourth quarter to grind out the two-point victory.

Wendte and Keely Barnard shared game-high scoring honors for Saint Mary with 17 points apiece. Wendte went 5-for-11 from the field and 7-for-8 at the line, including the deciding free throw in the closing seconds, while adding three steals in 30 minutes. Barnard provided consistent offense throughout, shooting 8-for-14 from the floor and knocking down one 3-pointer in 36 minutes of action.

The Spire defense and interior presence were absolutely crucial in the comeback efforts. Both teams finished with 28 rebounds, but the Spires turned in a strong rim-protecting effort led by Cady Huffman, who grabbed seven rebounds and blocked four shots in 19 minutes. Saint Mary also came up with seven steals and matched Tabor with 13 turnovers, limiting the Bluejays' second-chance opportunities despite Tabor's eight offensive boards.

The Spires ultimately separated themselves at the foul line and on defense down the stretch. Saint Mary finished 12-for-14 at the stripe (85.7 percent), while Tabor went 8-for-10 (80 percent). Both teams made 20 field goals, but the Spires' ability to draw contact and convert at the line proved decisive in a game with little margin for error.

Up next, the Spires will stay on the road but travel a little closer to home when they take on the Ottawa University Braves on Wednesday, January 21^st on the OU campus in Ottawa, Kansas with tip-off set for 6:00 p.m.