Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324
WHEATON, Ill. (Jan. 25, 2023) - Taking on Wheaton College for the second time this season, the North Central College women's basketball team suffered a 73-61 loss to the Thunder on Wednesday night inside King Arena.
Four Cardinals scored in double figures led by Megan Duffy (16 points), Megan McClure (14), Natalie Stavropoulos (12), and Grace Kieffer (10). On the night, North Central shot 32% from the field and 30% from three. Caroline Sikkink led all scorers with 17 points.
McClure scored the first four points for the Cardinals before a three-pointer from Kieffer gave North Central a 7-6 lead just two minutes into the game. A layup from Mitrese Smith put the Cardinals ahead 13-10. The teams traded baskets as the Thunder held a 21-20 edge after a high-scoring opening quarter.
Wheaton open the second quarter on an 8-1 run until back-to-back layups from Stavropoulos brought the Cardinals back within four, 29-25. A three from Duffy followed by a jumper from McClure put the score at 31-30 before a five-point swing from the Thunder extended their lead. After 20 minutes of play, Wheaton led by eight, 42-34.
Duffy drained a three to keep the Cardinals within reach, 45-37 as both teams went back and forth throughout the third quarter. Pulling North Central within single digits, Duffy hit a jumper with 1:57 to play in the quarter. The Thunder scored the final four points of the quarter to take a 60-47 advantage into the fourth.
Stavropoulos opened the final quarter of play with a layup in the Cardinals' first possession but again the Thunder answered. A successful trip to the free throw line from Duffy put the score at 63-53 with 6:18 to play. Wheaton extended their lead the rest of the way and took home a 73-61 victory.
The Cardinals close their road stand on Saturday as they travel to Decatur to take on Millikin University at 2 PM. The Big Blue are 15-3 overall and 9-0 in CCIW action.
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