VALPARAISO, Ind. (12/21/2021) - Graduate student Sydney Searcy posted a team-high 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting and 2-for-5 from 3-point range with a career-high two blocks while matching a season and career-best six steals defensively. Graduate student Janna Lewis added a season-best 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting and 4-for-5 from the free throw line as Detroit Mercy fell short in the fourth quarter falling 69-57 at Valparaiso on Tuesday afternoon to conclude non-conference play.

Senior Monique Pruitt chipped in with nine points on 4-of-5 shooting with four rebounds. Grad student Brandi Washington also added eight points going 3-for-4 from the charity stripe with four boards. Grad student Tori Powell dished out season-high five assists.

With 34 second left in the third quarter, Washington hit her first triple of the game. After a defensive stop, Searcy hit a buzzer-beater 3-ball before the end of the frame to pull Detroit Mercy (0-11) within one point at 48-47 heading into the fourth quarter.

Valparaiso (2-9) responded with a 6-0 run to open the fourth moving ahead 54-47 and pushed the run to 14-4 overall increasing their lead to 62-51 behind hot shooting from 3-point range and never looked back. The Beacons outscored the Titans 21-10 overall going 4-for-6 from long range to seal the win. For the game, Valpo went 14-for-32 (43.8%) from behind the arc which proved to be the difference.

The Titans resume Horizon League action at Green Bay on Thursday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. ET.