by Eric Willuweit

Chicago, Ill. – The Illinois Tech women's basketball chased down Benedictine University at the end of the second quarter to pull within three points at halftime, but a big third quarter by the Eagles proved to be the difference as the Scarlet Hawks fell 64-51 Wednesday night at the Keating Sports Center. The Scarlet Hawks fell to 3-8 in NACC play and 5-12 overall. The Eagles improved to 7-4 in the conference and 7-11 overall.

The Scarlet Hawks actually shot better than the Eagles from the field, connecting on 40% of their shots compared to 35% for Benedictine. However, second change points favored Benedictine by a 14-4 margin, and coupled with the Eagles outshooting the Scarlet Hawks from the free throw line 82% vs 50%, that proved to be the difference in the game.

First Half (Benedictine 25 - Illinois Tech 22)

The Scarlet Hawks struggled in the first quarter, falling behind by eight points on three separate occassions, while only scoring eight points total in the opening frame to trail 16-8 heading into the second quarter. The Eagles held an 11-point lead late in the second quarter before the Scarlet Hawks stormed back, going on a 10-2 run in the final 3:22 to close within three points at 25-22 entering the half. Julia Bucci led the Hawks in scoring in the first half with 12 points.

Second Half (Benedictine 39 – Illinois Tech 29)

The Scarlet Hawks stayed within three points through the first five minutes of the third quarter, and pulling within two points at 36-34 at the 5:11 mark. From there, the Eagles responded, completing a 14-4 run to close out the third quarter with a 50-38 lead entering the fourth quarter. Neither team was able to separate themselves in the final quarter, with both teams trading baskets. Benedictine outscored the Scarlet Hawks 14-13 in the final frame for the final 13-point margin of victory. Bucci led the Hawks with 10 points in the second half.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Bucci paced the Scarlet Hawks with 22 points while adding 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
• Kaya Jones finished with 11 points and 3 steals.
• Allie Sillo led the team with 8 rebounds.
• Grace Goodnough had 3 blocks.

Eagles Watch

• Jordan Carlquist led all Benedictine scorers with 17 points, while adding 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.
• Megan Duzansky added 12 points on 3-4 shooting from three-point range. She also pulled down 4 rebounds.
• Charsan McCory chipped in 11 points and led the Eagles with 11 rebounds.

Inside the Box Score

• The Eagles shot 9-11 from the free throw line, good for 82%; The Scarlet Hawks were 5-10 in free throws for 50%.
• Each team's best scoring run was 8 points, with Benedictine acheiving that in the first quarter, and the Scarlet Hawks in the second quarter. 
• Bucci was the minutes leader for the Scarlet Hawks with 32:25; Makenzie Carroll led the Eagles with 31:16 minutes played.

Up Next

• The Scarlet Hawks head to Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon, when they travel to Lakeland University to take on the Muskies at 4:15 PM in a NACC matchup.