The Millikin women's basketball team defeated Luther College 69-46 in the first game of the 12th Annual Harriett Crannell Classic on Dec. 16 at Millikin.

          The Big Blue got off to a shaky start with Luther controlling the game for the first 15 minutes.  Millikin started its rally late in the first half thanks to some hot three point shooting from Julia Robert and Nikki Tipsword.  Both players scored 10 points in the first half.

          Millikin came out strong in the second half pushing its lead to 20 points thanks in part to the strong play of Crystal Zeigler who finished the night with a double double with a team high 17 points and a team high 11 rebounds.  Tipsword ended the night with 15 points, Aldridge added 12 and Robert had 10.

          Millikin shot 45 percent for the game including 55.6 percent in the second half.  Luther hit on 35 percent of its shots from the field.  Millikin had a 38-27 advantage in rebounding.

          The Norse were led by Taylor Johnson with 16 points and nine rebounds.

          Luther will play North Central University on Saturday at Millikin at 3 p.m.

          The Big Blue will face North Central University on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m.