Jackie Malley exploded for a career-high 30 points as the St. Lawrence University women's basketball team rang in 2024 with a strong second half, leading to a comeback victory 72-70 over SUNY Canton Tuesday evening.

The non-conference victory improves the Saints' record to 3-5, and is the team's third win in their last four games.

Malley is the first member of St. Lawrence to record over 20 points in a game this season, and did so by shooting 52.6 per cent on field goals, and leading the team with 14 attempts from beyond the arc, draining six of them.

While the Saints received a notable offensive performance from the sophomore, they had to work from behind in the contest. The Kangaroos took a six-point lead into halftime, capitalizing on defensive miscues by St. Lawrence.

"We struggled defensively throughout the first three quarters with loud mistakes that SUNY Canton capitalized on, especially Hope Ancieto who was shooting it very well tonight," said head coach Dan Roiger. "We finally locked her down in the final 15 minutes, mostly by a great defensive effort from Norah Niesz and a much better effort overall by our team in the fourth quarter. Our defense led to transition offense, helping Jackie fill it up tonight."

The Saints outscored SUNY Canton in the third quarter, cutting the Roos' lead down to four points. They traded leads a few times in the fourth before back-to-back three-balls by Malley put the Saints ahead 70-66 with under three minutes to play – a lead they would not relinquish.

Elsewhere, first-year Elizabeth Flynn recorded 14 rebounds for a team high in that category. The aforementioned Aciento had the team lead for the Kangaroos, knocking down 21 points. 

The Saints return to the court in a busy first week on the road, as they head to Pughkeepsie, N.Y. to play Vassar in Liberty League play Friday, Jan. 5.