GAME STATS PICTURED ABOVE: Laura Karsten scored a team-high 15 points

Elmhurst, Ill. - The Thunder women's basketball could not overcome a strong second half by Elmhurst College (11-2/0-2 CCIW) as Wheaton dropped a 60-46 decision on the Bluejays' homecourt on Saturday evening. Wheaton falls to 7-6 on the season, with a 0-2 mark in conference play. The Thunder will host Millikin University on Wednesday at 7:30 PM in the first of three straight contests at King Arena for the 'Orange and Blue'.

Elmhurst led at halftime 24-20, following a tightly contested first half of play. The Bluejays opened the second half with a 12-3 run over the first five minutes to extend the hosts' lead to 36-23 with 15 minutes left in the game. Elmhurst's largest lead of the game was a 21-point bulge at 50-29 with nine minutes left. The Thunder responded with its own 12-3 run to cut the hosts' lead to 55-42 with 2:30 left in the game. However, the guests could get no closer than an 11-point deficit as the Bluejays' earned the 60-46 win.

Thunder guard Laura Karsten led the Thunder with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Lindsey Brenneman scored six points, while the trio of Elisabeth Potts, Brooke Olson and Lauren Graham each scored five points. Potts led the Thunder in rebounding with six boards.

Meghan Merklein led Elmhurst with 18 points and five assists. Tess Godhardt scored 15 points, with 10 rebounds. Nicki Shaffer scored 11 points and Megan Nay added a game-high 11 rebounds.

Wheaton shot 30.2% (19-63) from the field, with one three-pointer and 53.8% (7-13) at the free throw line. The Bluejays shot a 40.7% (22-54) field goal percentage, with 41.7% (5-12) from three-point range and 73.3% (11-15) at the charity stripe. Elmhurst owned a 48-33 rebounding advantage, with an 11-10 edge on the offensive glass.