MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Sophomore guard Stephanie Burtch was lights out on Tuesday night in leading Indiana Wesleyan University to a 71-62 road victory at Bethel (Ind.) College in women's basketball action.

Burtch shot 6-of-8 from 3-point range as the No. 5-ranked Wildcats remain perfect on the season with a crucial Mid-Central College Conference win over No. 11-ranked Bethel in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Indiana Wesleyan breaks a five game losing streak to Bethel as the last IWU win came on February 7, 2007. Of the five losses, three were of five points or less.

After a sluggish first half offensively for both teams, which ended with IWU leading 24-22, Indiana Wesleyan exploded in the second half, notching 47 points in the final 20 minutes of play.

Leading the second half resurgence for the Wildcats were junior forward Elaine Hessel and junior guard Kayla Thompson. The top two scorers for Indiana Wesleyan on the season combined for only six points during the opening half. But the pair responded in the second half with 14 points apiece to guide the Wildcats to the critical road conference win.

Hessel ended the evening with 18 points and eight rebounds while Thompson chipped in with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Indiana Wesleyan shot 44.7-percent (21 of 47) on the night and 45.0-percent (9 of 20) from beyond the arc. IWU also earned 26 trips to the free throw line and connect on 20 shots (76.9-percent).

The Wildcats held the Pilots to 42.0-perecent (21 of 50) and only four assists as a team.

Indiana Wesleyan is now 9-0 this season and 2-0 in MCC play. With the win tonight, Indiana Wesleyan has road wins over a pair of No. 11-ranked programs as the Wildcats defeated then No. 11-ranked Cedarville (Ohio) University 82-78 in overtime on November 14.

Bethel falls to 8-3 on the year and 1-1 in the conference.

Indiana Wesleyan will continue to play on the road this Saturday, December 5 with a game at Holy Cross (Ind.) College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.