McLean County Times

Women's Hoops Bows Out in CCIW Tournament Semis

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's basketball team ended their season in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin semifinals at Millikin University Friday night, Feb. 24. The Titans were defeated 82-65, as they ended the season with a 16-11 record. The Big Blue advance to the finals of the CCIW tournament tomorrow night to face Augustana College. 

The Titans were led by none other than sophomore Lauren Huber (Lombard, Ill.-Glenbard East) with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Katelyn Heller (Glen Ellyn, Ill.-Glenbard West) finished with nine points, while freshman Sawyer White (Downers Grove, Ill.-Montini Catholic) added eight points and eight rebounds. 

Illinois Wesleyan went 25-of-59 from the field (42.4 percent). The Titans made one three-pointer, coming in the final seconds, for a 1-of-12 clip from deep. From the free throw line, the Green and White were 14-of-17. 

The Big Blue on the other hand attempted 17 more shots than the Titans, going 36-of-76 from the floor, including a 2-of-12 clip from beyond the arc. What proved to be the key to the game was turnovers, as the Titans committed 24 to the Big Blue's 12. Millikin converted 30 points off of IWU turnovers to the Titan's nine. 

It was all Millikin from the get-go, as the Big Blue jumped out to an early 12-3 lead. The Titans cut the lead to as few as three, 26-23, in the second quarter, thanks to two straight Huber buckets. 

However, the Big Blue responded with three straight baskets of their own. Going into halftime, the Titans found themselves with a nine point deficit, 38-29. 

Millikin expanded on its lead in the second half, and despite a few IWU runs, overcame the Titans to reach the CCIW Tournament Championship. 

Original source can be found here