Waltham, Mass. - The Brandeis University women's basketball team never led in its defeat at the claws of the Washington University Bears, 65-49. Washington University is ranked No. 8 in the WBCA national poll, No. 9 in the D3hoops.com poll.

The Bears opened the game on a 13-4 run. Following a 6-0 spurt by the Judges, Washington University closed the first quarter with seven unanswered points. Senior guard Jordan Thompson scored 10 of her game-high 19 points in the opening period.

Washington University continued to build its lead in the second quarter, finishing with a 13-3 run that made it 33-19 at the half. The visitors extended their margin to 21 midway through the third quarter.

The Judges trailed, 50-31, to start the fourth quarter, but a three-point play by junior forward Sydney Sodine (Dix Hills, N.Y./Half Hollow Hills East) made it 55-46 with 3:42 remaining. Brandeis would not get any closer, as free throws down the stretch sealed the victory for Washington University.

Center Maria Jackson (Rochester, N.Y./ Hilton) was the Judges' lone double-digit scorer with 12 points. Guard Paris Hodges (Southampton, N.Y./Southampton) was the team's high rebounder with six.

For the Bears, Thompson also had game-high four assists, and forward Lily Sarros finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Forward Amanda Martinez added 10 rebounds as Washington University dominated the battle of the boards, 39-27. They also outscored the Judges in points in the paint, 28-12, and on second-chance points, 15-5.

Washington University improves its record to 19-4 overall, 10-2 UAA. Brandeis falls to 12-11, 5-7 UAA.

The Judges will take on University of Chicago Sunday, Feb. 21. The men tip off at 11 a.m., followed by the women at 1 p.m.

-by Emmett Greenberg '16