Box Score SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- The Skidmore College women's basketball team nearly erased a 21-point second half deficit but came up just short, falling 61-56 in a conference matchup against Union, Saturday at the Williamson Sports Center.

The Thoroughbreds (6-8, 1-4 Liberty) outscored the Dutchwomen (9-4, 2-3) 22-6 over the final 11 minutes of the contest, pulling within two (56-54) with 1:15 remaining after a Jordyn Wartts 3-pointer. Cailin Schmeer and Kelsey McDonald both converted on free-throws to extend the Union lead to 59-54, but again Wartts cut into the lead, driving to the basket for a layup. The Thoroughbreds forced a turnover on the ensuing Dutchwomen possession, but could not get a clean look at the basket. With Skidmore forced to foul, Kate Thompson went 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, securing the 61-56 win.

Angela Botiba led the Thoroughbreds with 12 points, Molly McLaughlin added 11 points and five assists and Wartts contributed 10 points and four rebounds.

The teams traded baskets in the opening eleven minutes of play with the lead changing hands nine times. The Thoroughbreds pushed ahead 13-10 with a 6-0 run on baskets from Botiba and Amber Holgate, but Natalie Leone's sparked a 9-0 Union run that was capped by a Cailin Schmeer 3-pointer.

Lindsey Davis ended a five-minute Skidmore scoring drought with a three to bring Skidmore within three at 19-16, but Union closed the half on a 10-2 run to take a 29-18 lead into halftime.

The Dutchwomen opened the second half on an 18-5-run to go ahead 47-26 with just under 12 minutes remaining.

Migle Vilunaite helped spark a Skidmore rally with all six of points coming over a four-minute span to cut the Skidmore deficit to eight at 51-43. Wartts tallied seven of Skidmore's next nine points to bring the Thoroughbreds back within two, but that is as close as they would get.

Union's Amy Loya scored a game-high 14 points to go along with eight rebounds. Schmeer added 12 points and Leone chipped in with nine points off the bench.

The Thoroughbreds travel to William Smith Friday, Jan. 24 for a 6 p.m. tip-off.