Boxscore

Jacksonville, Ill. - The Wheaton College women's basketball team led by double digits much of the game and withstood a late rally to beat Illinois College 71-67 on Tuesday.

The Thunder improved to 3-1 overall while the Lady Blues fell to 1-2.

Wheaton made a late run at the end of the first half to take a 36-27 halftime lead. The advantage increased up to 15 points in the second half, but the Lady Blues rallied back late to tie the game at 65 with 29 seconds left in the game. But Sarah Jones made four-straight clutch free throws to secure the Wheaton victory.

Jones scored a team-high 15 points with five steals while Brooke Olson added 13 points to lead the Thunder. Breanna Bohlen tallied eight points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Wheaton shot 26 of 65 from the field (40 percent) and 14 of 17 from the free throw line (82 percent).

The Lady Blues were led by Carrie Walberg's double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds. Rachel Macon scored 14 points with nine rebounds. Illinois College held a 51-41 rebounding advantage, but was held to 25 of 67 shooting from the field (37 percent) and 11 of 23 from the free throw line (48 percent).

The Thunder return to action at 6:00 PM on Monday at Clarke College.