The Millikin women's basketball team lost in the final seconds 62-59 at Wheaton College on Jan. 26.

            On Saturday, Millikin won a thriller over Carthage 46-44, but tonight the final shot went against the Big Blue with Wheaton's Lindsey Brenneman nailing a three-pointer with two seconds left to play to give the Thunder the victory.

            Millikin had the advantage for much of the first half before Wheaton rallied to take a 31-29 lead into halftime.

            Wheaton was ahead for most of the second half until Millikin tied the game at 47-47 with eight minutes left to play on a Julia Robert jumper.

            Wheaton then went on a 9-3 run to open up a 56-50 lead.  Millikin rallied again and pulled to within one at 56-55 with 3:30 left in the game on an Olya Cholewick three-pointer.  Laura Karsten answered with a three of her own to put the Thunder up 59-55.  Elise Wildman made it 59-57 with two minutes left in the game.  Wildman then sank two free throws to tie the game at 59-59 with 1:15 left.  Millikin had two chances to take the lead in the final minute, but could hit the go ahead basket and Wheaton pulled down the rebound setting the stage for Brenneman's game winner.

            Millikin shot 42 percent from the field with the Thunder shooting 37 percent.

Wheaton had more scoring opportunities taking 65 shots compared to Millikin's 48.

Wheaton shot 39 percent from the three point line including going 6-11 in the second half.  Millikin shot 35 percent, but were 3-13 in the second half.  Millikin had a 39-30 rebounding advantage.  Turnovers hurt Millikin committing 19 while Wheaton only turned the ball over 10 times.

            Millikin's top scorer was Wildman with 18 points.  Crystal Zeigler had a team high 11 rebounds.           

            Brenneman and Karsten each had 15 points to lead the Thunder.

            Millikin is now 13-5, 5-2 while Wheaton goes to 12-5, 5-2.

            The Big Blue will host North Park on Saturday, Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. for its annual PinkZone game.