ELMHURST, Ill. - The Elmhurst University women's basketball team hosted Carroll University for a chance to lock up a CCIW playoff birth. 

The Bluejays (16-8, 8-8 CCIW) were led by Sierra Gibson as she scored 20 points with four rebounds, two steals and an assist. Lindsay Novak would add another 20 points as she also recorded seven rebounds, and a steal. While Kristin Bukata would add a double-double with 19 points and 12 assists along with six rebounds. 

The Pioneers (17-8, 12-4 CCIW) were led by Natalie Gricius as she dropped 37 points, 30 of which came from beyond the arc, she also added eight rebounds and an assist. Olivia Rangel would add 26 of her own as she went 3-3 from behind the arc as well while also adding 10 assists for her double-double while adding eight assists and a steal. 

The Bluejays started off very hot in the first half as they would lead Carroll 29-18 after the First quarter and take a 21 point lead into halftime 52-31. However, the Pioneers would not just step aside as they would knock the Bluejays lead down to 13 at the end of the Third quarter. In the Fourth quarter, Carroll would go on a 10-0 run to end the Fourth quarter and take the game into overtime tied at 81. The Bluejays would lose Gibson and Rowan Cusack in Overtime as they would both draw their fifth foul. However, the Jays would take a five point lead into overtime, but Carroll wasn't done yet again as they would comeback and draw even once again with 1:39 left. The Jays would then get a clutch layup from Bukata to give the Bluejays a three point lead. From there the Jays were able to lock up the Pioneers and were able to close out the game 93-88. 

UP NEXT

The Bluejays will look to the CCIW Confrence Playoffs as they will travel to Wheaton College for their first round match-up on Tuesday, Feb. 25th at 7:00pm. 

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