WARREN – A back-and-forth contest to open the lid on a nine-game homestand went in favor of the visiting Marian University Ancilla Chargers by a narrow 70-67 final on Wednesday (Nov. 6) at the Sports & Expo Center. The Monarchs (1-2) trailed by 13 after one quarter of play (27-14) but answered by outscoring the Chargers 25-11 in the second frame to take a 39-38 lead into the halftime break.
 
The Chargers (3-0) regained the lead behind a strong third quarter and never relinquished their newfound advantage in the 70-67 decision.  
 
As a team, the Monarchs had the better shooting night at 41% from the field, but the free throw line would ultimately prove to be the difference as the Chargers attempted 36 free throws, making 21, while the Monarchs made 12-of-24 attempts.
 
A'Liyah Forris (Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech) led three Monarchs in double figures scoring with 24 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Asiyah Jihad (Farmington, Mich./North Farmington) posted a stat line of 18 points, eight rebounds and three blocks and Janiya McWilliams (Detroit, Mich./Warren Fitzgerald) recorded 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists to round out Wednesday's leaders.
 
The Monarchs take a break from action and will return to their home hardwood on Nov. 20 against Grand Rapids Community College at 5:30 p.m.