LISLE, Ill. - The Benedictine University women's basketball team suffered a 70-61 home defeat at the hands of MSOE on Saturday afternoon.

The contest was a tale of two halves. Benedictine shot 59.1 percent from the field in the first half but just 41.4 percent in the second. MSOE opened the contest at 35.7 percent but improved to 58.3 percent in the second. The opening 20 minutes saw Benedictine utilize a 7-0 run to take a 20-14 advantage. Venita Parsons drained a jumper with 8:12 remaining to hand the Eagles a 20-14 lead. The margin would be the largest for Benedictine in the game. Benedictine led 30-25 at the break. Meghan Novak connected on four first half three-pointers and amassed 14 points in the first.

MSOE took the lead with 13:52 remaining at 41-39. DeKayla Crayton instantly tied the game and ignited a back-and-forth stretch. Benedictine held a three-point advantage with 4:49 to go following a layup from Shannon Ryan. The visitors struck for 10 consecutive points, taking the lead for good. Benedictine scored only two points in the final 4:49.

The contest featured six ties and 11 lead changes. Novak was the lone Benedictine player to reach double figures, notching 22. The senior has scored 15 or more points in 10 straight games and owns 20 or more in four of the last five affairs. Benedictine held a slim 30-28 advantage on the glass.

Benedictine (14-8, 14-3 NACC) returns to the floor on Wednesday night against Dominican.