BOXSCORE

Lisle, Illinois - The Benedictine University women's basketball team extended its win streak to four games Monday with an 81-68 victory over visiting Alverno College, ending Alverno's seven-game win streak.

Leading by three points late in the first, the Eagles opened a 7-0 run on a Jenn Bren layup. Lidia Arias finished the run with a layup of her own to put Benedictine up 40-30 going into the locker room.

Alverno was able to whittle the lead down to three points at 47-44 with 14:15 to play when Gabby Allen connected on a fast-break jumper. The Eagles responded by pushing the lead to 11 points following another Bren layup with 9:51 left.

The Inferno were able to claw within six points at 59-53 with 8:22 to play, but a 6-0 run stretched the advantage to 12 and the visitors got no closer than eight the rest of the way as Benedictine converted on all eight free throw attempts in the game's final two minutes.

The Eagles had another strong night shooting, finishing 30 of 58 from the floor for 51.7 percent. Both teams struggled from three-point range with Alverno making just 3 of 16 (18.8 percent) and Benedictine hitting 4 of 14 (28.6 percent).

Four Benedictine players scored in double figures led by Bren's game-high 24 points. Monika Krozel had 14 points and eight rebounds while Tracey Walsh added 13 points. Arias again had an all-around contest, scoring 12 points, grabbing eight rebounds, forcing seven steals and dishing five assists. Colleen Forkin added out with eight points off the bench.

Alverno (10-9, 8-5) was sparked by 21 points from Shataya McComb. Gabby Allen added 15.

Benedictine (9-9, 7-6) is back to the .500 mark overall for the first time since November 28 and jumped over .500 in Northern Athletics Conference play for the first time this season. The Eagles are 5-0 on the new hardwood surface at the Rice Center.

Benedictine will look to keep the streak alive against the leader of the North Division, Concordia Wisconsin, in a crossover game on the road at 2:00 p.m. Saturday.