BOXSCORE

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Elmhurst College Women's Basketball Team was defeated 73-60 by the leaders of the CCIW, third-ranked Illinois Wesleyan University, on the road Saturday.

Elmhurst was able to score the first four points of the game as both teams struggled to open the contest. Illinois Wesleyan made just one of its first 11 shots but Elmhurst turned the ball over seven times in the first five minutes.

The Bluejays opened an eight point lead at 24-16 with 7:16 remaining in the half when Megan Ney hit a jumper. Illinois Wesleyan immediately stormed back. Melissa Gardner's three with 3:55 to go put the Titans up 26-24 and was a big part of a 26-8 run to close the half. The Titans never trailed the rest of the way and led by 10 at halftime, 42-32.

The Titans were able to build the lead up to as many as 17 points in the second half to remain unbeaten at home. Elmhurst pulled within 10 at 65-55 with a pair of Kelsey Monroe free throws with 6:07 left, capping a 7-0 run.

The Bluejays shot 35 percent in the contest and outrebounded the Titans 44-39 with 17 boards coming on the offensive glass. Lyndsie Long paced the offense with a game high 26 points. Megan Ney also reached double figures with 11 points and a game best 14 rebounds for her second consecutive double-double.

Illinois Wesleyan (20-1, 9-1 CCIW) was led by Christina Solari's 17 points and nine rebounds. Nikki Preston and Hope Schulte each netted 12.

Elmhurst (14-7, 7-3 CCIW) returns to action on Tuesday night at R.A. Faganel Hall when Carthage visits for a 7:30 p.m. affair.