SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio --A great start from the Falcons inspired a crowd of 239 at Murphy Gymnasium on Tuesday night, as the Falcons scored the game's first ten points, but despite the incredible start, the Daemen Wildcats were too strong down the stretch, as they came away with a 69-63 victory. (Box)

For the Falcons (14-12, 10-8 American Mideast), the loss was their fourth in a row, and put their chances of making the post season in serious doubt. The top seven seeds make the AMC tournament, and the Falcons were in a three-way tie for sixth place heading into Tuesday's contest.

For Daemen (16-11, 12-5), the victory completed a season sweep of the Falcons, and it was their fifth in their last six games. The Wildcats are now in a great position to host in the first round of the conference tournament. The Wildcats were in fourth place heading into Tuesday's action, leading Mt. Vernon by just a half game.

Notre Dame set the tone early on, as #Yvette Hunter# blocked Marybeth Nugent's shot on Daemen's opening possession, and the Falcons proceeded to go on a 10-0 run over the game's first four minutes. During that stretch, Notre Dame forced four Daemen turnovers, and received eight of their first 10 points from #Lauren Macer# who buried a pair of 3-pointers and two free throws.

The Falcons led by as many as 13 (20-7), but the Wildcats began to heat up, and shot 50.0 percent (10-for-20) from the floor over the final 13 and a half minutes of the first half. The Wildcats trailed 26-16, at the 7:26-mark, and went on an 11-0 run to take a 27-26 lead on Sara Soroka's jumper at the 4:55-mark. Notre Dame was able to bounce back, and took a 35-33 lead at halftime, on #Taryn Wicks#'s jumper with seven seconds remaining. Hicks finished the first half with 10 points, while Soroka led all scorers with 16 first half points.

The Wildcats outscored the Falcons, 14-5, over the first six minutes of the second half to take control. The Falcons remained close, and went on an 8-0 run, capped by Macer's layup at the 11:04-mark, to give them a 48-47 lead. Daemen responded quickly, by scoring the game's next seven points and never looked back. The Falcons stood toe-to-toe with the nation's fourth best rebounding team in the first half, but could not conquer the length of the Wildcats in the second stanza, as they were out-rebounded 24-16 in the game's final 20 minutes.

Wicks paced the Falcons with 14 points and 10 rebounds and seven assists, while both Macer and #Michelle Drum# chipped in with 12 points apiece. The Falcons hit their first two 3-point shots, but went just 1-for-8 (12.5 percent) the rest of the game. Notre Dame shot 40.4 percent (23-for-57) from the floor and 77.8 percent (14-for-18) from the free throw line.

Soroka led the Wildcats with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Tara Downey and Bridgette Burke each added 10 points.

The Falcons will play their final regular season game on Saturday, Feb. 20. Notre Dame will head to Canton, Ohio, for a matchup against Walsh. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.


NOTES FROM THE NEST …

TAMING THE WILDCATS: The Falcons have had a tough time with the Wildcats in the overall series. Since 1998, the Falcons are 2-16 against Daemen. Both NDC victories in the series have come at home.

THREE-FALL: The Falcons struggled mightily at home from the 3-point arc down the stretch. Over their last four home games, Notre Dame shot 23.8 percent (15-for-63). The Falcons are shooting 30.3 percent from 3-point land this season.

SHOOTIN' FOR 70: The Falcons have won their last eight games when scoring 70 points or more. NDC is averaging 73.0 PPG this season, and they haven't lost a game where they scored 70 points or more since a 78-70, setback in overtime against Beloit (Wisc.) back on Dec. 30.

GLASS CLEANING: Notre Dame has been out-rebounded 231-185, over their last five games, an average of 9.2 rebounds per game. On the season, the Falcons have out-rebounded their opponents by an average of 1.5 RPG.

HALF-N-HALF: The Falcons have outscored the opposition, 988-847, in the second half this season. NDC has come from behind to win five games this season, when trailing after the first half. However, they've shot the ball much better in the first half recently. NDC is shooting 45.7 percent (59-for-129) in the opening stanza over their last five games, compared to 37.8 percent (73-for-193) in the second half.