BY NATALIE HEAVREN SPORTS EDITOR

Women’s basketball fell to 2-9 in conference play after losing 64-51 to Saint Louis. 

Here are three takeaways from the game: 

Marika Korpinen has sparked the stagnant offense

In the last two games, Marika Korpinen has scored a total of 29 points, the most in a two-game stretch in her career. 

This success has stemmed from her getting angry after the close loss to Rhode Island during which she went just 1-8 from the floor. 

The Patriots have struggled to find consistent scorers aside from Nicole Cardaño-Hillary in conference play. If Korpinen can continue to step up, this team could take a step or two forward before the end of conference play. 

Defense has the power to win games

While defense has not been a problem for the team, allowing the Billikens to make open shots in the first half proved to be the deciding factor for the Patriots. 

“Another one of those kind of rollercoaster games,” said head coach Nyla Milleson. “We didn’t get off to a great start. You know, they got a lot of really easy buckets in the first half. We were not getting over and building very good walls.”

During the team’s bye week, defense will likely be a focus. 

Consistency will be key for the team down the stretch 

Milleson referred to the game as a roller coaster, something the team has experienced before. Despite pulling within two by halftime after a 14-0 run in the second quarter, Mason made just two field goals in the third quarter. 

Throughout the team’s losing streak, the offense often struggled for a quarter, creating a hole the team would have to try to crawl out of. 

If the Patriots can continue to try to put together a full 40 minutes, the team should be able to finish the season on a high note. 

Mason returns home on Feb. 19 to take on Richmond at 7 p.m.