BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- A very strong opening quarter was not enough to keep the North Park University Women's Basketball team afloat against the 17th-ranked Illinois Wesleyan Titans on Saturday afternoon. The Vikings fell, 77-39, in the road contest.

The first quarter was nearly entirely centered on scoring off the press break, as both teams were looking for opening cuts after the inbound pass pressure. A 6-0 start for IWU was chipped away following a three pointer followed by an and-one layup for junior guard Teresa Morrissey.

As the Titans were building their lead with quick buckets and a few free throws, North Park stayed right on their heels, including a last-second three at the quarter buzzer by junior forward Caroline Long.

Unfortunately, the Titans would take control after that. The defensive pressure held the Vikings to just six points in both the second and third quarters while IWU poured in 20 and 25 to put the game out of reach.

Long led NPU with another near double-double (9reb, 9pts). IWU's Sawyer White had 11 points and 6 steals in the win while Caitlin Leyden was the game's leading scorer with 16 on 8-of-11 shooting.

What's Next?

North Park (4-10, 0-5) hosts Augustana this coming Wednesday, January 14, back inside Carlson Gym. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM CT.