LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University women's basketball team survived a home challenge from Concordia University Chicago, walking away with a 70-64 decision.

Benedictine led for nearly the entire contest but could not put Concordia Chicago out of reach. Trailing 8-7 four minutes into the game, a jumper from Alanna Ferry handed Benedictine the lead for good with 15:53 to play in the first. The visitors twice were able to even the score, but a 12-0 run late in the half handed Benedictine a 31-19 lead. Venita Parsons opened the run with a three pointer. Just over six minutes later, a three from Meghan Novak capped the run. Benedictine led 32-23 at halftime.

The visitors slowly chipped away at the deficit, scoring six straight points to claw within 47-44 at the 7:39 mark of the second. Benedictine responded with nine straight opened with two free throws from Novak and finished with a pair from Michelle Batty, making the score 56-44 with 5:14 remaining. Holding a 14-point lead with 3:58 left and a 10-point advantage with 1:57 to go, Benedictine watched as the visitors pulled within three points on three occasions. The Eagles connected on 7-of-8 free throws in the final moments to pull out the win.

Benedictine added to the conference leading rebound total, holding a 53-32 edge on the glass. Novak, recently named the NACC Player of the Week, led all scorers with 21 points. The contest marked the third straight game of 20 or more points for the senior. Jasma Williams came off the bench to score 10 points while Batty also added 10. Briana Hamilton snared 10 boards. The Eagles scored 30 points at the free throw line as the teams combined for 70 attempts. Benedictine was able to overcome 22 turnovers.

Benedictine (13-7, 13-2 NACC), winners of three straight, returns to action on Thursday night at Alverno as part of a busy week in a 7:00 p.m. contest.