ADRIAN, Michigan - December 9, 2023 - A strong defensive effort nearly lifted Hiram to a victory over a 5-2 team, but the Terriers fell just short in a 59-52 loss to Adrian on Saturday afternoon at the Merillat Center.

Brooke Hickman recorded another double-double and Maddie Rakestraw scored in double-figures for the second time this season, but Adrian was able to outscore Hiram by 5 points over the final two quarters to hold on for the win.

Hiram dominated the game in second-chance points (18-8) and bench points (23-5), while also holding an opponent under 60 points for the second time this season. The team's 20 offensive rebounds were also a season-high.

The Bulldogs offense tallied 19 points in the first quarter on 44% shooting from the field. The team finished the period leading by 5 points.

Hiram responded in a big way in the second quarter, holding Adrian to just 7 points on 3-13 shooting, which put the Terriers within a possession at the intermission. Sophomore Ava Mory scored 5 points in the second quarter alone.

Neither team was able to pull away in the second half, with Adrian leading by as many as 8 points in the third quarter before Hiram took a 1-point lead early in the fourth quarter. The Terriers started the final period on an 11-4 run to take a 46-45 lead with 6:23 remaining. Anastasia Lawler, the reigning Terrier of the Week, drained a three-pointer to punctuate the rally.

Adrian answered with an 8-0 run to take a 7-point lead, which would hold the rest of the way. Four different Bulldogs student-athletes scored in double-figures.

Hiram will have a quick turnaround, as it will travel to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania for a non-conference matchup against Geneva on Monday at 6 p.m. inside Metheny Fieldhouse.