Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

NAPERVILLE, Ill (Feb. 4, 2023) - Taking on Elmhurst University for the second time this season, the North Central College women's basketball team lost 75-62 on Saturday afternoon inside Gregory Arena.

Megan Duffy tallied 12 points to lead North Central with Allison Pearson scoring 11 points and Natalie Stavropoulos, and Mitrese Smith adding 10 each. The Cardinals shot 37% from the field and 32% from three-point range with a 91% mark from the free throw line. Taylor Harazin led all scorers with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Megan McClure, Smith, and Duffy each scored early on to give North Central a 6-0 lead. Just three minutes into the game. Both teams found their groove as Pearson hit back-to-back threes to put the Cardinals ahead, 18-10. 

Taking a 20-12 lead into the second quarter, the Bluejays responded with six straight points to cut their deficit to two, 20-18. With 6:21 left to play in the first half, Elmhurst knotted the game at 23. The teams traded baskets until Stavropoulos converted a pair of free throws to give North Central a 33-31 advantage hedging into halftime.

Elmhurst hit a three-pointer to take a one-point lead on their first possession of the half. A jumper from Grace Kieffer gave North Central a 39-36 advantage with 6:56 to play in the third quarter. The Bluejays continued to fight as they took a three-point lead after 30 minutes of play. Early in the fourth quarter, a Duffy three brought the Cardinals back within three, 53-50. The Bluejays extended their lead throughout the final quarter and earned a 75-62 victory.

The Cardinals welcome Carthage College to Gregory Arena on Wednesday evening. North Central has won two of the last three against the Firebirds. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

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