The Millikin women's basketball team defeated St. Mary's College (Ind.) 63-56 on Dec. 20 at the Griswold Center in Decatur, Ill.  Millikin improves to 5-4 while the Belles fall to 3-9.

          Millikin built up a 28-17 advantage at the half and held off several runs by the Belles in the second half to pick up the seven point victory.  Both teams shot 39 percent from the field.  Millikin was 2-4 from three point range while the Belles hit on 5-21.  Millikin shot 12-16 from the free throw line compared to 6-10 for St. Mary's.  St. Mary's out rebounded Millikin 43-33, but the Big Blue forced 25 St. Mary's turnovers while committing 17.

          Millikin had three players in double figures led by Bria Williams and Nikki Tipsword each with 14 points.  Holly Haskins added 11 points.  Olya Cholewick had a team high seven rebounds and led the Big Blue with six assists.

          Ariana Paul and Eleni Shea each had 12 points for St. Mary's followed by Shanlynn Bias will 11.  Shea had a team high eight rebounds.

          Millikin will take a few days off for Christmas before traveling to New Orleans for the Big Easy Challenge where they will face Wisconsin-Whitewater on Dec. 29.  The Big Blue return home on Jan. 2 at 5:30 to open conference play hosting Carthage College.