Box Score

MEQUON, Wis. - The Benedictine University women's basketball team hung tough against the conference leaders but fell short in a 65-54 loss at Concordia Wisconsin.

Benedictine put together a solid opening 20 minutes of play. Trailing by seven points with over 12 minutes remaining, the Eagles opened a 12-4 run with a basket from Briana Hamilton to grab a 20-19 lead on a Vincenza Ranallo jumper with 8:04 left in the half. With the game even at 24, the hosts scored six straight and led by as many as eight points. Five consecutive points from Michelle Gaede closed Benedictine within 36-33 at the half.

Concordia Wisconsin tightened on defense after Benedictine shot 53.6 percent from the field in the first half. The hosts limited Benedictine to just 25 percent shooting in the second half as the Eagles made only seven field goals. Concordia Wisconsin led the entire second half but Benedictine was able to close within five points at 57-52 on a layup from Meghan Novak with 6:39 to play. Concordia Wisconsin struck for seven straight quickly to pull away.

Ranallo netted 12 points to lead the Eagles. Novak added 11 with Gaede scoring 10 off the bench. The contest featured eight ties and three lead changes, all in the first half.

Benedictine (5-8, 5-3) hosts MSOE on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.