BOXSCORE

Chicago, Ill. – The Thunder women's basketball team used a strong second half scoring surge to earn an 86-68 CCIW victory at North Park (3-13/0-6) on Tuesday night. Wheaton has won seven of its last eight games and holds a 10-7 record on the season, with a 5-1 mark in conference play. The Thunder will host Carthage College on Saturday night at 7:30 PM in King Arena.

The two teams battled through a tightly contested first half. The Vikings led the Thunder 37-36 at halftime of the contest. The score was tied 54-54 with 11:20 remaining in the game when the Thunder scored nine un-answered points to take a 63-54 lead with 8:50 remaining in the game. Wheaton's nine consecutive points helped spark a 21-6 Thunder scoring run over a span of 6:40 to give Wheaton a commanding 75-60 lead with 4:40 remaining in the game to help the guests secure the victory.

Senior Kathleen Fidelia led the Thunder with 23 points, six rebounds and three assists. Freshman Laura Karsten contributed 13 points, with five rebounds and three steals. Sophomore Annie Bowen (PICTURED RIGHT) scored 12 point, with nine rebounds, including five offensive boards. Jamie Jones scored 12 points, with five rebounds and three assists.

LaRae Kostreva led North Park with 16 points and nine rebounds. Danielle Bradley, Larisa Coldebella and Hilary Kuhl each scored 12 points. Amanda Phillips added 10 points for the Vikings.

Wheaton shot 44.3% (31-70) from the field, with 38.1% (8-21) from three-point range and 72.7% (16-22) at the free throw line. North Park recorded a 51.1% (24-27) field goal percentage, with 45.5% (5-11) from three-point range and 68.2% (15-22) at the free throw line. Wheaton out-rebounded the Vikings 39-29, with a 16-4 edge on the offensive glass.