Box Score LISLE, Ill. –Having already clinched a spot in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference tournament, the Edgewood College women's basketball team had their sights on a first round home game. The Eagles earned just that with a 57-47 win over Benedictine University behind three players in double figures.
It was evident that both teams played less than 24 hours ago as early fatigue set in early on. Benedictine and Edgewood College (13-11, 13-6 NACC) combined for just 11 points through the first 11 minutes and 27 seconds of action. Edgewood College then showed signs of life, running out to a double digit advantage behind four points from Brooke McBain and a three-point play from Mariah Hill. Brooke Negus later drilled a three-pointer before Benedictine netted two scores to cut Edgewood College's lead to 24-18 at halftime.
The second period belonged to Edgewood College as the Eagles never trailed. After running out to a double-digit lead at 15, Benedictine used a 7-0 run to make it 43-35 in favor of Edgewood College. The Eagles again jumped ahead by double figures before Benedictine (11-13, 11-8 NACC) gave another scare. BU scored on five straight possessions to cut their deficit to six but over the next two and a half minutes, neither team netted points and Edgewood College's advantage held until the final minute. Benedictine was forced to foul and Edgewood College hit six straight free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Edgewood College shot just 34 percent from the field but was 42.9 percent from downtown and 83.3 percent (15-for-18) from the line. The Eagles held Benedictine to just 30.9 percent shooting and 7.1 percent (1-for-14) from three-point range.
Hill led all scorers with 16 points including six from the free throw line. Chelsey Watkins registered her second straight double figure game with 13 points while Negus was also in double figures with 11.
The Eagles will wrap up the regular season with a Senior Night home game against Lakeland College on Tuesday. Live stats and live video will be available for the 7:00 p.m. start.
