Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Jan. 20, 2024) - Earning their first win over Wheaton College since 2009, the North Central College women's basketball team used a season-best effort from
Elle Sutter (25 points) to roll past the Thunder, 85-66 on Saturday afternoon inside Gregory Arena.
Following two quick baskets from Wheaton, Sutter's layup opened a 10-0 run from the Cardinals. Megan McClure sank a pair of free throws before knocking down a three-pointer to give North Central a 15-6 advantage. The teams traded baskets as the Cardinals held a 19-14 lead after 10 minutes of play.
Starting the second quarter strong, Megan Duffy, Sutter, and Jocelyn Trotter each scored as North Central put together a 6-0 run. The Thunder responded with a few baskets, but again the Cardinals answered as they put together an 11-0 run to take a 44-26 lead at halftime.
Extending the North Central lead to 20 points, McClure scored a layup in the first possession of the second half. Grace Kieffer and Sutter hit back-to-back threes as the North Central advantage grew to 25, 58-33. Both teams went back and forth before another deep ball from Sutter put the Cardinal ahead 69-44 at the end of the third quarter.
Katie Schaible opened the fourth quarter by knocking down a three, her third of the season. The Thunder rallied to score nine in a row and force a Cardinals' timeout. McClure and Carly Gatlin scored on straight possessions to shift the momentum back to North Central who secured the 85-66 victory over Wheaton. The Cardinals move to 10-8 (5-4 CCIW) while Wheaton falls to 10-8 (3-6 CCIW).
Sutter's game-high 25 points was accompanied by seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. McClure added 21 points while Trotter (11 points) and Kieffer (10 points) scored in double figures. For the game, the Cardinals shot 48.5% from the field and a season-high 92% from the free throw line. Annie Tate led the Thunder with 24 points.
North Central visits Carthage on Wednesday night as they go for the season sweep of the Firebirds. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. inside Tarble Arena.
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