Elmhurst, Ill. -Elmhurst University women's basketball secured a 73-58 victory over Wheaton (IL) on (Dec. 9th) 

Elmhurst holds an overall record (7-1), and (1-1) in the CCIW . The Thunder has a record of (5-4), and (1-1) in the CCIW. 

Kristin Bukata led the Bluejays with an impressive performance, scoring 22 points and making 8 of 13 field goal attempts, along with 5 assists and 2 steals. Natalie Harty was a standout from beyond the arc, hitting 3 of 4 3-pointers and totaling 11 points. Harty also excelled defensively with 4 steals. Cierra Steemer was a dominant presence under the basket, securing a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, including 6 offensive rebounds. She also added 2 blocks to her stat line. Sierra Gibson was notable for her defensive play, recording 2 steals and contributing 7 points offensively. MC Brown provided solid support with 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first quarter of the game between the Bluejays and the Thunder was closely contested, ending with Elmhurst leading 18-16. The Thunder started strong with Annika Richardson scoring two free throws at 9:24, but the Bluejays responded with Cusack's jumper to tie the game at 2-2. Kate Oliver's three-pointer gave the Thunder a brief lead, but Elmhurst's Brown, and Bukata combined for a series of layups to keep the score tight. Elmhurst gained momentum towards the end of the quarter with fastbreak layups from Gibson and Brown, helping to secure their two-point advantage.

In the second quarter of the game, Wheaton started strong with Jenna Hunter scoring a jumper at the opening to tie the game at 18. The Bluejays responded with Lewers hitting four consecutive free throws from the 6:15 mark to take a 22-20 lead. Grace Kizer of Wheaton made an impact with three successful 3-pointers, including one at 1:50 that extended their lead to 29-24. Elmhurst's Gibson managed to narrow the gap with a 3-pointer and a layup in the final minutes, but Wheaton maintained their edge, finishing the quarter ahead with a 17-14 score.

In the third quarter of the game between Elmhurst and Wheaton, Elmhurst outscored Wheaton 20-10. Elmhurst's defense was strong, forcing Wheaton into 11 turnovers, highlighted by steals from Brown and Cusack. Bukata contributed significantly to Elmhurst's offense with multiple successful jump shots, helping extend their lead. Despite Wheaton's attempts to close the gap with scoring from Alyssa Faberowski and Alexis Martin, Elmhurst maintained control, aided by a late 3-pointer from Harty.

The Bluejays capitalized on turnovers early in the fourth quarter, with Steemer scoring a layup at 9:15, extending their lead to 56-45. Harty added to Elmhurst's momentum, sinking two free throws to make it 58-45 at 8:20. Wheaton's Jenna Hunter responded with a layup at 7:05, but the Bluejays maintained control with Bukata's layup and free throw, pushing the score to 66-51 by 2:30. Elmhurst secured their victory with a strong defensive performance, including five steals, and outscored Wheaton 21-15 in the final quarter, resulting in a 73-58 win.

UP NEXT 

The Bluejays will face Illinois Wesleyan University on Dec. 14th at 2:00 pm. in Bloomington, Ill.

FOLLOW THE BLUEJAYS

Stay up-to-date with Elmhurst University Athletics by following the Bluejays on Twitter (@elmhurstbluejay), Facebook (Elmhurst University Athletics), and Instagram (@elmhurstbluejays). Visit elmhurstbluejays.com for the latest news and information.