NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Taylor Simpson and Hannah Ballard each finished with a double-double as the second-ranked University of Chicago women's basketball team defeated St. Mary's College 70-60 in nonconference play Saturday afternoon.

Game Summary

• St. Mary's (3-7) held the advantage for the final 12:44 of the first half. The Belles built their largest edge of the day, 25-14, at the 5:26 mark, before taking a 33-30 lead into the locker room at the half.
  
  
• The second period featured three lead changes and five ties before Chicago (8-0) took the lead for good, 46-44, on a Ballard jumper with 10:14 to play.
  
  
• Chicago led by at least eight points for the game's final 4:24.

Statistical Highlights

• Simpson finished the day with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Ballard (pictured) totaled 14 points and 12 boards. Eleven of Simpson's 15 rebounds came on the offensive end.
  
  
• Meghan Herrick joined Simpson and Ballard in double figures with 12 points. Herrick also handed out six assists.
  
  
• One of three St. Mary's players to tally double digits, Kelley Murphy posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 boards. Patsy Mahoney (14) and Jessica Centa (11) also reached double figures as the Belles lost at home for the first time in four games.
  
  
• Ballard blocked three shots for the second straight game.

Notes

• Chicago extended its regular season winning streak to 26 games overall and 12 straight on the road. 
  
  
• The Belles' 25-14 first half lead matched the largest deficit faced by the Maroons this season. Chicago fell behind Macalester by that same margin on Nov. 19 before prevailing 81-59.
  
  
• Simpson recorded her second double-double of the year and 17th of her career. Ballard achieved a double-double for the first time.
  
  
• Two Maroons posted double-doubles in the same game for the first time since Dec. 4, 2011.
  
  
• Chicago won after trailing at the half for the second time this season.
  
  
• Chicago won its final game before Christmas for the seventh time in eight years under Head Coach Aaron Roussell.

Up Next

• Chicago returns to action Dec. 30 at North Park University.