LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University women's basketball team suffered a 59-52 loss at home to Wisconsin Lutheran, leaders of the NACC, on Saturday afternoon.

Benedictine led by as many as six points in the first half. Nicole Botich opened a string of six consecutive points with a layup at the 13:49 mark, breaking a 7-7 tie. Shannon Ryan hit a jumper to extend the lead to 13-7 with 11:38 remaining. Meghan Novak buried a three-pointer with 6:58 left in the first, putting the Eagles ahead 16-12. Wisconsin Lutheran responded with 10 unanswered points, taking a 22-16 lead. Benedictine did not lead again in the game, trailing 26-22 at the half after shooting just 29.4 percent from the floor.

Wisconsin Lutheran netted the first four points of the second half, opening an eight-point margin at 30-22. Benedictine quickly put together seven in a row to battle within 30-29. Novak tallied the final five points of the run, finishing with a three-pointer at the 13:54 mark. The visitors were able to move ahead by double figures near the mid-point of the half. Trailing by 13 points in the final two minutes, the Eagles pulled within seven but could get no closer. The win handed Wisconsin Lutheran a sweep of the season series and moved the Warriors into first place all alone, a game ahead of Benedictine.

Novak led Benedictine with 16 points. Botich logged a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Botich owns six double-doubles on the season. Benedictine finished the game shooting 31.8 percent.

Benedictine (10-7, 10-2 NACC) welcomes Alverno on Wednesday night.