FT. WAYNE, Ind. - The No. 6-ranked Indiana Wesleyan University women's basketball team dropped a close one to the No. 7-ranked University of Saint Francis (Ind.) on Saturday, by a score of 71-66.

The Wildcats took advantage of IWU junior center Krystal Stoneking's hot start as they outscored the Cougars by five in the first half. Stoneking led all scorers in the first half as she recorded 14 points and provided a big presence in the paint.

Indiana Wesleyan would extend its advantage to seven, their largest lead of the game, with 13:49 remaining in the contest. However, USF came roaring back as they used a 25-6 run over the next eight minutes to grab a 12 point lead. The Wildcats chipped away at the margin as they narrowed the lead to three on several occasions, but were never able to regain control of the ballgame as the Cougars held on to win by a score of 71-66.

IWU shot 44.6% from the field on the day while allowing Saint Francis to shoot 50%. The Wildcats won the rebounding battle by a margin of 35-27.

Krystal Stoneking continued her solid play as she led all scorers with 25 points and seven rebounds. Senior Elaine Hessel contributed 13 points and five boards, while senior Kayla Thompson chipped in 9 points and a team-high five assists.

USF was paced in scoring by Bianca Woods' 19 points and Chanell Ridley's 17 points.

Indiana Wesleyan will continue MCC play at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, as they take on Marian (Ind.) University at Luckey Arena.