AVE MARIA, Fla. – The Thomas University women's basketball team lost, 73-59, to Ave Maria University Saturday afternoon. 

Emiah Downie scored 17 points in 17 minutes to lead TU, making 6-of-8 shots from the field, hitting her only 3-point attempt and all four free throws. 

Alisha Clayton added 10 points, six rebounds and a pair of steals while Gabrielle Jester scored nine points and Destiny Reed posted seven points and six rebounds. 

Thomas trailed, 18-13, after the first quarter, then Ave Maria opened up the lead, outscoring TU 28-14 in the second quarter. TU outscored AMU 32-27 in the second half. 

The Night Hawks wrap up the three-game road set Feb. 1 at Coastal Georgia, then return to the TU Gymnasium for two games Feb. 6 against Johnson & Wales University (Fla.), and Feb. 8 vs. Keiser University (Fla.).