ELMHURST, Ill. - The Elmhurst women's basketball team could not hold off the Illinois Wesleyan offense in the second half, falling in its CCIW opener 84-73. 

After the teams headed into the locker room tied at 32, the Titans (6-6, 1-0 CCIW), led by Molly McGraw's 19 second-half points, shot 52-percent from the floor and scored 52 points in the final two periods. 
 

Claire Monroe led the Elmhurst (6-6, 0-1 CCIW) charge in the first quarter, knocking down a trio of three-pointers. Her third gave Elmhurst it's largest lead of the contest at 19-13 and the Bluejays took a 20-16 advantage into the second quarter. After the break, Illinois Wesleyan stormed out to an 9-0 run in the quarter's first 4:27 to take a five-point advantage. The Titans led by as much as six in the quarter, but the Bluejays pulled even at halftime. Monroe's 12 points (4-of-6 three-pointers) led the Bluejay offense in the first half. 

Early in the third, five Elmhurst players scored, including a Hannah Lipman three-point play, and the Bluejays took a five-point lead. Illinois Wesleyan stormed back with another 9-0 run to retake the lead. A Lisa Logan layup at the end of the quarter pulled the Bluejays within seven heading into the final period. 

Despite trailing by 11 at one point, Elmhurst pulled within four early in the fourth, but watched the game slip away as Illinois Wesleyan pulled ahead by double digits late. 

Mikaela Eppard registered her fifth double-double of the season, finishing with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Monroe (12 points) and Logan (11 points) also reached double-figures. Eppard helped the Bluejays outrebound the Titans 39-34. 

Illinois Wesleyan benefited from forcing 20 Bluejay turnovers and outscoring Elmhurst 16-4 on the fast break. 19 of McGraw's 28 points came in the second half. Rebekah Ehresman (13 points, eight rebounds) and Gabby Weber (10 points) also chipped in for the Titans. 

Elmhurst continues CCIW play this Wednesday, January 6 when they travel to Augustana College for a 7:00 p.m. tip.