The Millikin women's basketball team lost to Wheaton College 58-55 in the first semifinal game of the 2011 CCIW Women's Basketball Tournament at Illinois Wesleyan University on Feb. 25.

            Wheaton dominated much of the first half taking a 30-25 advantage at the half.

In the second half, the Thunder opened up a nine point lead until Millikin took control of the game.  The Big Blue stormed back and took its first lead of the game at 37-36 with 15 minutes left to play.  Millikin controlled most of the second half opening up a seven point lead with six minutes left in the game.  Wheaton then rallied in the final two minutes of the game taking a 56-55 lead with 17 seconds left to play.  After two Thunder free throws, the Big Blue had a chance to tie the game but missed a potential game tying three-pointer with four seconds left to play.  Millikin had a desperation shot with four tenths of a second remaining that was off the mark.

            Millikin shot 43 percent from the field compared to 30 percent for the Thunder.  Wheaton had 12 more shot attempts for the game due to Millikin turnovers.  The Big Blue turned the ball over 25 times compared to only 12 for Wheaton.  Millikin out rebounded Wheaton 46-33.

            Elise Wildman ended her career with a 17 points and 14 rebounds performance.  Julia Robert added 13 for the Big Blue.

            Wheaton's top scorer was Elisabeth Potts with 16 and Lindsey Brenneman with 15.

            Millikin ends its season at 17-9 while Wheaton moves on the tournament championship on Saturday with a 19-6 record.