Rockford, Ill.- Wheaton's defense held Rockford to just 27.5% shooting from the floor and forced 39 turnovers en route to a 72-34 victory on Friday night.  With the victory Wheaton improves to 8-1 while the Regents fall to 1-8.  Wheaton will conclude their 2012 schedule on Saturday night when they host the Benedictine Eagles at 7:30 PM at King Arena.

Wheaton opened the game on a 10-0 run over the first 2:43 before the Regents scored the next six points.  From there, the Thunder built the lead out to as many as 16 points, following a lay-up by Maria Panaggio (PICTURED RIGHT) before settling for a 33-21 halftime lead.

The Thunder upped the ante in the second half, opening on a 20-0 run while holding Rockford scoreless for the first seven minutes and 21 seconds to take a 53-21 lead. Wheaton then closed the contest holding the Regents to just one field goal over the final 10:24 and coasting to a 72-34 victory.

Wheaton shot 45.2% (28-62) from the field and 36.8% (7-19) from the three-point line.  Wheaton was 9-14 (64.3%) from the free throw line.  Rockford was held to 27.5% (11-40) from the field, 15.4% (2-13) from beyond the arc and 10-12 (83.3%) from the free throw line.

Ellie Zeller led five Thunder players in double figures with 12 points and six boards. Jenn Lee had 11 points in just 19 minutes in her first game since joining the Thunder following the soccer season.  Breanna Bohlen also had 11 points, Brooke Olson and Hannah Considine each had 10 points for Wheaton.