One bad spell in a game can doom a team and write off any chance of victory.

The women's basketball team learned this unfortunate lesson last weekend in the latest portion of its University Athletic Association schedule.

Trailing 39-25 at halftime against the University of Chicago, the Judges could not find a rhythm in the second half, digging a hole that would eventually lead to a humbling 76-48 defeat.

The loss—the second consecutive on the Judges' Midwest road trip, where they also faced Washington University in St. Louis—put the team at 7-9 and a disappointing 0-5 in conference play.

Starting forward Samantha Anderson '13 expressed her disappointment at the team's inability to rebound from lapses on offense and defense last week.

"We get down and we stay down," she said. "We need to fight our way out in those types of situations, and today we just couldn't do that."

While they were down 39-25 at the half, which was exactly half of the final margin by which they would lose, the Judges still had a chance to take back control of the game.

After all, there were a total of four lead changes and two ties in the first half. However, the main problem rested in a startling ten turnovers and a 0-for-5 rate at the free-throw line.

The Bears, however, did shoot 50 percent from the field in the first half, often a defensive effort that would bury an opposing team.

However, the Judges were still alive. While staring up at a still-formidable 14-point gap, heading into the second half of the game, Brandeis was still very much alive.

Two straight free throws from Chicago senior guard Meghan Herrick opened up the half and put the nail in the coffin for the Judges.

The free throws marked the start of a 19-2-run that ultimately ended any hopes of the Judges making a comeback.

However, there was reason to be hopeful for the women's team. The Judges would proceed on a 21-16 run behind an impressive 10 points from Kendrew.

It would not prove to be enough as the women suffered a blowout in the Windy City.

Guard Morgan Kendrew '12 led the Brandeis charge with 14 points, followed by graduate Dianna Cincotta '11, MA '12, who contributed an additional 10 points.

Against No.7 WashU, the Judges started well, staying on pace with the Bears throughout on the first half.

While their shooting percentage was more inefficient than it was in Sunday's game—completing just 40.7 percent of their efforts—Brandeis went into the half down by seven points and hopeful for a second half comeback.

WashU maintained the lead largely due to its offensive efficiency. While the Judges only converted three of eight shots, the Bears were 12-for-20 on the offensive end.

However, the second half proved to be a much different story.

With the Judges shooting six-for-21 from the field, the Bears would capitalize. WashU shot 10 of 24, including a notable five of seven from the three-point range. The Bears, however, were firing on all cylinders on the defensive end.

In the final 12 minutes, Brandeis was held to a mere two field goals, both off a pair of free throws from Anderson.

Coupled with their home court advantage, Wash U seized the momentum of the match in the second half and never looked back, spoiling the Judges' Friday night in the Midwest.

Forward Samantha Anderson '13 was top scorer for Brandeis, burying 10 points. Teammate Courtney Ness '13 scored another nine points at the forward position.

While the Judges look for their first conference win this weekend, Anderson noted last week this slump could actually be of assistance to the team.

"It comes down to motivation," said Anderson. "Losing three in a row gives us huge motivation to prove ourselves in future games."

While the Judges naturally would have welcomed a rest after a demanding road trip, the team will have no time to recuperate.

UAA opponents Case Western Reserve University and Carnegie Mellon University will visit on Friday and Sunday. Friday's contest is slated for a 6:00 tipoff, while Sunday's game will begin at 2:00.

— Adam Rabinowitz contributed reporting.