KENOSHA, Wis. – The Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball team secured a berth in the league's postseason tournament by running past Carthage College, 80-49, at Tarble Arena in Kenosha, Wis., on Saturday, Feb. 11.
 
With six straight victories and 11 wins in their last 12 games, the Titans improved to 16-6 overall and 11-2 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin while the Lady Reds slipped to 12-10 overall and 6-7 in the league.

With the win at Carthage, Illinois Wesleyan joins Wheaton (11-2) and Elmhurst (10-4) in securing spots in the CCIW's postseason tournament Feb. 24-25 at the site of the highest seed.
 
IWU built up a substantial halftime edge, 42-23, and scored 25 points in the first half off 22 Carthage turnovers. Carthage finished with a season-high 30 turnovers that led to 35 points. IWU was 12 of 21 from the field in the third quarter to extend the lead to 67-35.
 
Four players scored in double figures for Illinois Wesleyan, led by junior Rebekah Ehresman with 16 and sophomore Maddie Merritt with 15.
 
Sophomore Ashley Schneider added 12 points and junior Molly McGraw scored 11.
 
Senior Gabby Weber led IWU with seven rebounds and Ehresman grabbed six as the Titans were outrebounded, 39-38, but IWU snared 16 offensive boards. Senior Amanda Kelly had a game-high six assists.
 
With 49, Carthage was held to their second lowest point total of the season. Sophomore Rachel Szydlowski scored 12 points and freshman Madie Kaebler chipped in 10.
 
Three-point shooting was at a premium for both teams Saturday night as the Titans connected on just 5-of -18 (.278) while the Lady Reds made only 5-of-23 (.217).
 
What's Next?
The Titans return home to meet Elmhurst College at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 … The Bluejays were 85-65 winners over North Central on Saturday and will bring records of 18-5 overall and 10-4 in the CCIW to the Shirk Center ... One of Elmhurst's wins was an 86-80 decision over IWU at home on Dec. 10.