WBB Ties Program Assist Record in Win Over North Dakota

MILWAUKEE — The Marquette women's basketball team (8-2, 2-0 BIG EAST) tied the all-time program single-game assist record in a win Saturday afternoon at the Al McGuire Center, defeating North Dakota, 89-65.

The Golden Eagles dished out 33 assists on 40 made shots in the win, tying the program record which has stood for over 30 years (Jan. 6, 1988 vs. UIC). MU shot an efficient 58.0 percent (40-of-69) from the field, its best shooting performance of the season.

"This afternoon was a great team win for us, I'm just really proud of the way that we shared the basketball. 33 assists on 40 baskets is an awesome stat," said Marquette head coach Megan Duffy. "I thought we had great balance, and it was really great to see everyone get some minutes tonight."

After going for a career-high 25 points against Milwaukee, it was once again Lauren Van Kleunen leading the scoring charge for the Golden Eagles. The graduate forward went for 20 points on an incredibly efficient 10-of-11 shooting from the floor. She was one of four Marquette players in double-figures, along with Karissa McLaughlin (13), Liza Karlen (13) and Jordan King (11).

Junior forward Chloe Marotta had one of the most well-rounded offensive games of her career, finishing with six points, 12 boards and tying her career high with eight assists.

The Golden Eagles came out of the gates strong, establishing an early lead and never looking back. MU dominated the first quarter, 29-12. The Golden Eagles made 17 of their first 23 shots from the field, including a 7-of-7 start from Van Kleunen.

North Dakota (4-5, 0-0 Summit) had its best scoring quarter of the game in the fourth with 23 points, but the late surge came up short. The Fighting Hawks were led by a 13-point effort from Kacie Borowicz.

Marquette's 33 assist performance is tied for the best in program history (Jan. 6, 1988 vs. UIC), and was just two assists shy of tying the BIG EAST all-time record.
Eight different Marquette players recorded two or more assists.
For the second-straight game, the Golden Eagles never trailed in the contest. MU was on top for 38:47 of game time, leading by as many as 36 points.
Marquette scored 42 points in the paint while holding UND to just 22.
MU's first half was its most efficient of the season, shooting 69.7 percent (22-of-33) from the floor and 57.1 percent (4-of-7) from 3-point range.
Lauren Van Kleunen had her second-straight 20+ point game, and the eighth of her career, finishing with 20 points on 10-of-11 shooting.
Danyel Middleton recorded a new scoring career high with nine points.
Chloe Marotta's eight assists tie her career high.
Karissa McLaughlin helped spark the quick offensive start for MU, scoring eight of her 13 points in the first quarter.
With the win, Marquette is now 18-5 against non-conference opponents under Coach Duffy.
Marquette is now 25-5 at home under Coach Duffy.

UP NEXT: Marquette has the week off before returning to BIG EAST play on Saturday, Dec. 19, as it travels to South Orange, New Jersey, to take on Seton Hall (4-4, 0-2 BIG EAST). The game will tip-off at 11 a.m. (CT) and will be broadcast on FS1.

Keep up with the Marquette women's basketball program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWBB) and Instagram (@marquettewbb) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWBB).