Contact: Anna Fox, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, amfox@noctrl.edu
 
NAPERVILLE, ILL. (Dec. 9, 2023) - The North Central College women's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 68-61 overtime loss to No. 24 Illinois Wesleyan University.
 
Megan Duffy opened the game with a three pointer for the Cardinals. Two minutes later, Jocelyn Trotter made a layup putting the Cardinals up 5-3. An 11-point run gave the Titans an 18-7 lead to end the first quarter.
 
The second quarter began with Illinois Wesleyan's Kate Palmer making a layup in the paint that was soon followed by Jovanna Martinucci knocking down a pair of free throws. Back and forth plays between the two teams allowed the Titans to maintain their lead to 41-26 at the break.
 
The Cardinals increased their defense in the second half, allowing their offense to go on an eight-point run to make the score 41-34. The Titans shifted the momentum to go on a six-point run, until Josylin Simmons-Doxie buried a shot from inside the paint. McClure made a shot and a layup to put North Central within seven. With time ticking down Illinois Wesleyan managed to lead 51-40 at the end of the third quarter.
 
At the start of the fourth quarter, North Central started to chip away at Illinois Wesleyan's 11-point lead. Duffy and McClure both hit their free throws before Trotter nailed her layup to bring the score to 51-46. A team effort from North Central brought the Cardinals within two. With one minute and 10 seconds left on the clock, Trotter tied the game at 60 apiece, forcing the game into overtime.
 
With five minutes on the clock, both teams were smart with their plays. The Titan's Catie Knutson opened the scoring with a layup, but Duffy followed up with a free throw to put North Central within one. Four-straight points from Knutson was enough to take the momentum from the Cardinals. Illinois Wesleyan finished the game with a jumper in the paint and getting the 68-61 win for the Titans.
 
McClure led the Cardinals with 19 points on the day along with three steals. Trotter was not far behind with 14 points on the day as well as three steals. Elle Sutter led the team in rebounds (12) and blocks (2). Sutter and Duffy both had two assists in the game.
 
Looking to get their fifth win of the season, North Central hosts Edgewood College on Saturday, Dec. 16. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. inside Gregory Arena.
 
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