CHICAGO, Ill. -- Senior Molly McGraw poured in 26 points as the Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball team cruised to a 96-63 season-opening win over Colorado College at the University of Chicago Maroon Invitational on Friday, Nov. 17.

Junior Maddie Merritt added 16 points and freshman Raven Hughes scored 11 in the win. Senior Rebekah Ehresman and sophomore Sydney Shanks each collected a team-high six rebounds for Illinois Wesleyan, who held a 40-38 lead on the boards.

The Titans led 41-30 at halftime before outscoring Colorado 27-14 in the third period to take a commanding 68-44 edge after three quarters. IWU forced 32 turnovers in the win while committing only 12. IWU also amassed 27 assists on their 36 made baskets with Ehresman dishing out a team-best seven.

McGraw's 26 points gives her 1,203 for her career, making her No. 9 all-time at IWU. Just ahead of her in eighth place is Amy Morgan with 1,230 points from 1984-88.

McKenzee Gertz scored 13 points and Evan Underbrink had six rebounds to pace the Tigers. Colorado College is coached by Katherine Menendez, who spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Illinois Wesleyan. She helped guide the Titans to a two-year record of 58-3 and an NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 2009. IWU claimed the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championship each season.

What's Next?
Illinois Wesleyan plays the tournament host Chicago on Saturday at 1 p.m. ... An assistant coach for the Maroons is Olivia Lett, who played for the Titans' national championship team and is No. 5 all-time in scoring at IWU in addition to holding the single-season scoring record.