BOXSCORE

Wheaton, Ill. – The Wheaton women's basketball team opened its 2010-11 campaign in King Arena on Tuesday night against St. Mary's College (Ind.). The Belles topped the Thunder 72-36. Wheaton will host the Lee Pfund Classic this Friday and Saturday with games at 1 and 3 PM. The Thunder will take on Taylor University at 3 PM on Friday. Friday's other game will featured Luther College facing Illinois College at 1 PM.

St. Mary's took an 18-15 lead in tonight's game over the first 12:30 minutes of the contest. The Belles out-scored Wheaton 11-2 to take a 29-17 lead with three minutes left in the first half. St. Mary's led 33-24 at halftime. St. Mary's scored the first 13 points of the second half to take a 46-24 lead and led by as many as 40 points in the game.

Senior forward Annie Bowen and junior Lindsey Brenneman each scored eight points, with three assists. Bowen collected a team-high 11 rebounds and blocked two shots. Elisabeth Potts scored five points, with eight rebounds.

Kelly Murphy of St. Mary's led the Belles with 21 points and 18 rebounds. Jessica Centa scored 17 points and Shanlynn Bias added 10 points.

Wheaton shot 23.6% (13-55) from the field, with 22.7% (5-22) from three-point range and 50% (5-10) at the free throw line. The Belles shot a 39% (23-59) field goal percentage, with a 76.5% (26-34) mark at the free throw line. St. Mary's out-rebounded the Thunder 49-38, including a 17-14 edge on the offensive glass.