NEW CONCORD -- In their final game of the 2021 calendar year, the Heidelberg University women's basketball team dropped a nail-biter at Muskingum, 42-39.  A chance for a game-tying 3-pointer at the horn was blocked, giving the Muskies the win. 

Heidelberg (2-8, 1-3 OAC) was led by a 10-point afternoon from Ashley Ballard.  Marissa Thomas added nine points and Bailey Walter had seven.  

Alyssa Martin contributed a season-high 10 rebounds. 

After a slow start for both sides, the two teams began to heat up over the final three minutes of the first.  Buckets from Hallie Rogers and Bailey Walter put HU up 8-4.  Down 9-6, Muskingum tied the game with a 3-pointer from Taylor DeMassimo.  The period ended in a 10-10 tie.  

A 6-0 run for the Muskies provided a cushion for the hosts in the second period.  Morgan Altenburger and Alyssa Martin brought HU to within two, but Muskingum closed the half with a layup and a jumper from Milayna Williams.  Muskingum led 24-18 at the break.

Heidelberg battled back into the game and took a 31-30 lead on an Ashley Ballard basket with 5:23 left.  Muskingum responded quickly and built a four-point advantage.  Later, Walter made a free throw that made it 35-32, in favor of the hosts.  

Despite many good looks for both teams, the unfavorable Anne C. Steele Center rims kept the  score frozen at 35-32 for more than six minutes of game play, into the fourth quarter.  A layup by Martin with 2:16 left brought HU to within one at 40-39.  The score remained there until the closing seconds.  Forced to foul, HU sent Leia Smith to the line with 14 seconds left.  Smith made the first and missed the second -- but a long rebound found the hands of Williams.  HU had to foul again -- and again Muskingum split the pair.  This time, HU grabbed the board and called timeout with 10 seconds left. 

Advancing the ball to half court, Heidelberg rotated the ball around to the left wing.  Lily Sweeney's attempt to tie the game with a 3-pointer was blocked and the Muskies emerged with the 42-39 win.  

Williams finished with 16 points for Muskingum.  

Heidelberg held a 35-29 edge on the glass and an 18-12 advantage in bench points.  

The Student Princes return to action on New Year's Day with a trip to Defiance College. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.