University Heights, Ohio – In a road match-up against a nationally-ranked opponent, the Wheaton College women's basketball team absorbed a 73-51 defeat at the hands of No. 14-ranked John Carroll University on Saturday afternoon. The Thunder evened their record at 1-1 on the season while the Blue Streaks moved to 2-0 at the conclusion of the Winking Lizard Tip-Off Tournament.
Freshman guard
Chloe Kostka drained a trey from deep to open the scoring. However, the home side proceeded to embark on a 15-2 run and seize control of the contest. Senior guard
Kate Oliver converted a pair of free throws and a three-pointer on consecutive possessions to draw Wheaton closer. But JCU immediately buried a three of its own in response and soon went into the quarter break with a 21-10 lead.
The momentum continued for the Blue Streaks in the second quarter, pushing their lead up to 24 points midway through. The Thunder struggled offensively in the half, shooting 6 for 26 on field goals (23 percent). At the halftime intermission, John Carroll held a 41-18 advantage.
The Blue Streaks maintained their offensive efficiency in the third quarter by shooting 69 percent from the field to extend the lead further. Wheaton eventually found its touch offensively in the fourth quarter as the visitors outscored JCU 20-7 in the period. But the deficit proved insurmountable as the hosts secured the 73-51 victory.
Lily Caddow submitted a team-best 16 points while grabbing four rebounds. The junior guard was subsequently named to the All-Tournament Team after the contest. Oliver reached double digits in the points column with 10. Kosta added seven points as well.
Wheaton was held to 28.8 percent shooting from the field overall (6 of 21 on threes), while John Carroll shot 43.8 percent on field goals (10 of 33 on threes). The rebounding disparity proved critical – the Blue Streaks won that category decisively 44-26. They also had a 20-6 advantage in second-chance points.
The Thunder return to action next weekend hosting the Beth Baker Classic inside King Arena. Wheaton will play Lake Forest College on Friday, Nov. 14 with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.
