BOXSCORE

Bluffton, Ohio - The Thunder women's basketball team (1-1) picked up its first victory of the season on Friday with a 78-73 victory against St. Mary's (Ind.) at the Bluffton University Tip-Off Tournament. Wheaton will face the host Bluffton Beavers on Saturday at 3 PM (EST) in the tournament's championship game. Bluffton defeated Oberlin 70-50 in tonight's other opening round game.

Wheaton emerged victorious tonight in a back-and-forth contest that saw 13 lead changes and was tied 12 times. The game was tied 42-42 at halftime. The Belles led 69-63 with 5:10 left in regulation when two Wheaton field goals cut the St. Mary's lead to 69-67. St. Mary's increased its lead to 71-67 with 3:40 left in the game. However, Wheaton senior Sarah Jones made a free throw and freshman Breanna Bohlen drained a three-pointer to tie the game at 71-71 with 2:57 left.

St. Mary's scored a field goal with 2:30 left in regulation to regain a 73-71 lead. However, it would be the final points of the nigh for the Belles. Wheaton junior Kelly Brooks scored a basket to spark a 7-0 Wheaton scoring run that closed out the game and gave the Thunder the victory.

Bohlen scored a career-high 24 points in just her second collegiate game; she was 6-for-8 from three-point range. The freshman also contributed seven rebounds, with five blocked shots and three assists. Brooks scored 13 points, with nine rebounds and sophomore Elisabeth Potts scored 11 points.

Jessica Centa led St. Mary's with 14 points, while Maggie Ronan and Patsy Mahoney each scored 12 points.

Wheaton shot 42.9% (27-63) from the field, with 45.5% (10-22) from three-point range and 63.6% (14-22) at the free throw line. St. Mary's had a 35.3% (24-68) field goal percentage, with 28.6% (4-14) from three-point range and 80% (21-26) at the charity stripe. Wheaton out-rebounded the Belles 47-42 on the night as each team grabbed 18 offensive boards.

View tournament Website, with livestat links