RIVER FOREST, Ill. - The Benedictine University women's basketball team recorded a fifth consecutive victory with a 69-61 decision at Concordia Chicago on Tuesday night.

Benedictine led for nearly the entire contest, taking an early 3-0 lead on the first possession of the contest when Meghan Novak drained a three. Novak knocked down another three-pointer with 14:40 remaining in the first to extend the lead to 12-4. Concordia Chicago battled to within two points with just over six minutes remaining, but Benedictine would extend the lead to double figures.

Nicole Botich opened a run of 8-0 with a layup at the 5:03 mark. Briana Hamilton capped a three-point play with 3:46 left to make the lead 33-22. The Eagles held a 37-28 advantage at the half, shooting 46.9 percent while scoring nine points on second chance opportunities.

The hosts quickly bounced back in the second, pulling within 40-37 with 15:43 to play in the game. Three points from DeKayla Crayton were part of a five-point spurt that again made the lead eight points at 45-37. Concordia Chicago was able to chip away and even the game at 49 with 9:06 remaining. The hosts led for a short stretch after scoring six straight, holding a 55-52 edge with 5:50 left.

Benedictine promptly scored 11 straight to retake control of the contest. Shannon Ryan turned the tables with a three, putting Benedictine ahead 54-52. The lead would reach eight before a late surge brought Concordia Chicago within 62-61, but Benedictine recorded a jumper from Michelle Batty and five free throws from Novak to squeeze out the win.

Benedictine held a commanding 47-30 edge on the glass. Botich tallied another double-double, her third of the year, with 19 points and 11 boards. Novak also scored 19. Crayton scored 13 off the bench. The five game win streak is the longest for Benedictine since a five-game streak in 2007-08 and is the second longest streak in the school's tenure in the NACC.

Benedictine (5-5, 5-0 NACC) hosts Alverno on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.