Contact: Elliott Carr, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302
 
Box Score

Jan 28., 2017-  In a game that showed why the Wheaton College Thunder are perennially up among the top-ranked teams in the country, the North Central College women's basketball team fell to the 25^th-ranked Thunder 71-112 on Saturday night, at Gregory Arena in a College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) matchup.

North Central were led by senior Anita Sterling, who finished with 12 points on an efficient 4-5 shooting from the field, including 3-4 from behind the three-point line. Fellow senior Paula Zerante also contributed 12 points, while freshman Lyndsay Brennan stepped to up to deliver 10 points, two assists and two steals.

The Cardinals struggled out of the gate, with Wheaton showing their class early, going on a 22-0 run to begin the game.

The second quarter saw some signs of life from the Cardinals, with Sterling connecting on two free throws followed by back-to-back three-pointer in the fifth minute. Despite her efforts, she did not have the help necessary to significantly narrow the margin by halftime.

The second half saw more of the same, with Wheaton exhibiting why they are a national championship contender each year. Zerante finished a fast-break layup, then sunk a three-pointer late in the third quarter but it was still not enough to close the gap and get North Central back into the game.

The Cardinals have a week to hone their game plan prior to making the short trip to Chicago to take on CCIW foes North Park University (9-10, 2-8). Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.