UPLAND, Ind. -- No. 3-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University women's basketball used a suffocating defensive effort in the Mid-Central College Conference opener for a 72-43 triumph at Taylor (Ind.) University in Upland, Indiana.

The Wildcat defense overwhelmed the Trojans into 28.3-percent (15 of 53) shooting on the night and just 18.5-percent (5 of 27) during the second half. The Wildcat perimeter defense was spectacular, holding the Trojans to 11.8-percent (2 of 17) from beyond the arc and 0-for-11 in the second half.

On the other side of the floor, Indiana Wesleyan was just as dominant, shooting 54.2-percent (26 of 48) and 50.0-percent (10 of 20) from 3-point range.

Despite putting 72 points on the board, Indiana Wesleyan boasted just two players in double figures. Junior guard Stephanie Burtch and junior center Krystal Stoneking each poured in 12 to lead the team. Burtch did her damage from outside on 4-of-7 shooting from deep while Stoneking dominated the paint on 5-of-8 shooting.

Taylor was able to hang with Indiana Wesleyan most of the first half as Indiana Wesleyan led 22-21 with 4:50 remaining before half. But the final 35 minutes belong completely to Indiana Wesleyan, outscoring the hosts 50-22 during that time.

Indiana Wesleyan rolled into halftime scoring 13 of the final 17 points in the opening half to lead 35-25.

The Wildcats led 42-30 with 15:05 remaining and raced to a 14-4 run to up the lead to 56-34 at the midway point in the half. Overall in the final 20 minutes, the Wildcats outscored the Trojans 37-18.

The Indiana Wesleyan bench was a big factor Tuesday night with a 39-16 advantage in the scoring column over Taylor. Six IWU players off the bench scored led by Stoneking, junior guard Ashley Brooks with seven and sophomore guard Taylor Goshert with seven.

Indiana Wesleyan is off through Thanksgiving and returns to the court on Wednesday, December 1 versus Goshen (Ind.) College at Luckey Arena.