Box Score

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - A slow start in the opening half doomed the Elmhurst College women's basketball team in an 81-59 loss to ninth-ranked Illinois Wesleyan University.

Elmhurst (6-9, 1-3 CCIW) struggled in the opening half, shooting just 26.9 percent (7-of-26) from the floor while falling behind 44-22 at halftime. Leading by one just six minutes into the game, Illinois Wesleyan (12-3, 4-0 CCIW) outscored Elmhurst 31-10 over the final 13 minutes of the half to open up a commanding 22-point cushion.

The Titans continued to pull away in the second half, building a 35-point advantage midway through the half and cruising to the 22-point victory.

Elmhurst finished the contest hitting 30.5 percent (18-of-59) of its shots. The Bluejays converted 7-of-24 three-point attempts (29.2 percent) and 16-of-19 attempts from the foul line (84.2 percent). 

Kim Schwerdtmann came off the bench to score nine points to lead Elmhurst in the loss. Meghan Merklein and Ceejay Harris scored eight points apiece while Megan Ney added six points in the loss. 

Illinois Wesleyan shot 56.9 percent (29-of-51) from the floor, including 43.8 percent (7-of-16). from downtown. 

Nikki Preston and Hope Schulte scored 13 points apiece to pace the Titans. Stacey Arlis and Sarah Cotner added 10 points each for Illinois Wesleyan.

Elmhurst hosts North Park University on Tuesday, January 18.