BOXSCORE

Wheaton, Ill. – The Thunder women's basketball team continued its strong play on Saturday night as the squad earned its eighth victory in its last nine outings in an 81-67 win at home against Carthage (12-6/4-3).

Wheaton is now 11-7 overall and 6-1 in conference play to stand alone in second place in the CCIW standings. Tonight's victory put Wheaton two games ahead of Millikin and Carthage who are tied for third at 4-3.

Carthage led Wheaton early with a 9-6 advantage with 14:15 remaining in the first half when eight un-answered points by the Thunder gave Wheaton a 14-9 lead with 12:55 left before halftime. The hosts would never relinquish the lead for the rest of the game. Wheaton held a 26-21 lead with 5:35 remaining in the first half as Kathleen Fidelia (14 points) and Jamie Jones (10 points) combined to score 24 of the hosts' first 26 points. Wheaton held a 42-33 lead at halftime.

Wheaton remained in control during the second half, with the hosts' biggest lead coming in a 15-point advantage at 59-44 with 12:19 remaining in the game.

Jamie Jones led the Thunder with a career-high 29 points as she shot 11-for-14 from the field and added four steals. Fidelia scored 25 points in the game, including 19 in the first half. The Thunder senior also recorded four assists, with two steals. Freshman Laura Karsten scored 11 points, with five rebounds and three steals. Sophomore Annie Bowen contributed a team-high seven rebounds, with six points.

Heather Gilmore led Carthage with 15 points, on 6-for-9 shooting from the field, with five rebounds. Katie Jarger scored 12 points and Drewann Pancratz contributed 11 points.

Wheaton shot 50% (28-56) from the field, with 45.5% (10-22) from behind the three-point arc and 75% (15-20) at the free throw line. The Lady Reds posted a 40.4% (23-57) field goal percentage, with 23.5% (4-17) from three-point range and 68% (17-25) at the charity stripe. Carthage out-rebounded Wheaton 37-32, with an 11-5 edge on the offensive glass.