ELMHURST, Ill. – A shorthanded Elmhurst University women's basketball team battled with Illinois Wesleyan University, before falling 85-59 at R.A. Faganel Hall.
 
Elmhurst (2-11/0-5 CCIW) stayed with the Titans (8-6/5-0) for much of the first quarter, trailing by only six with 2:30 left on the clock. The Titans scored extended their lead to 25-15 after the first quarter. Illinois Wesleyan began to pull away from the Bluejays late in the second quarter. Leading by 14 with under two minutes remaining, the Titans closed the half on a 13-0 run, taking advantage of seven Elmhurst turnovers in the process.
 
Illinois Wesleyan led  78-43 entering the fourth quarter before Elmhurst finished strong, outscoring the Titans 16-7 over the final 10 minutes.
 
Taking the floor with just eight players, the Bluejays shot 43.8 percent (21-of-48) from the floor, including 43.8 percent (7-of-16) from beyond the arc. The Bluejays struggled from the foul line (10-of-20) and turned the ball over 30 times resulting in 32 points for the Titans.
 
Ella Riley came off the bench to score a season-high 13 points, connecting on four 3-pointers. Cate Boling added 10 points while Marissa Mussatto tallied 10 points and eight rebounds. Kate Matthews and Marissa Urso scored eight points apiece for Elmhurst.
 
IWU shot 40.5 percent (34-of-84) from the floor, including 36.7 percent (11-of-30) from beyond the arc. Brooke Lansford led the Titans with 20 points while Lauren Huber scored 14 and collected eight rebounds. Katelyn Heller added 13 points while Mallory Powers finished with 12.
 
Elmhurst travels to Augustana College on Wednesday, January 12.