By Justin Bryant, IWU Sports Info

Marion, IN (February 6, 2008) ? The NAIA No. 13 Indiana Wesleyan University women?s basketball team overcame an eight point halftime deficit to force overtime and win 75-68 over Mid-Central College Conference opponent Grace College Wednesday.

The Wildcats (21-4, 7-4) were tied 21-21 with six minutes left in the first half before being outscored 12-4 to end the half. IWU struggled to begin the second half, but eventually grabbed their first lead of the second half at 51-50 with nine minutes left to play.

Both teams traded baskets for the rest of the game until Grace grabbed a 65-63 advantage with 58 seconds remaining. A couple of scoreless possessions later IWU freshman Kayla Thompson stood at the free throw with two seconds left and IWU down 65-63. Thompson sunk both free throws to tie the game.

Grace had a final shot that glanced off of the rim sending the game into overtime.

The Wildcats controlled the tip and the play of overtime as they began with a 7-2 run. Grace was never able to recover as IWU won 75-68.

IWU was led in scoring by Kayla Thompson?s 20 points. Junior Andrea Fichter, and seniors Brooke Amstutz and Lisa Thompson were all in double figures with 17, 15, and 14 points, respectively.

The Wildcats continued MCC play Saturday, February 9, at 1 p.m. against Marian College.