BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - In a match-up between the two top teams in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), second-ranked Illinois Wesleyan erased a nine-point halftime deficit to hand Carroll just their second conference loss of the season by a score of 81-75. The win keeps the Titans undefeated on the year and snaps Carroll's season-best win streak at eight games, while moving two games ahead of the Pioneers in the CCIW standings with five games remaining in the regular season.

Carroll (14-6, 9-2 CCIW) began the game white-hot, shooting 56 percent (9-16) from the field in the opening quarter, including 75 percent (3-4) from 3-point range. Junior Natalie Gricius was unconscious in that quarter, scoring 13 points as the Pios took a 24-10 lead into the second period. In that second frame, Carroll continued to shoot the ball well, with Gricius scoring the first four points to give the Pios their largest lead of 18 with nine minutes remaining in the half. With Carroll leading 30-12, Illinois Wesleyan (20-0, 11-0 CCIW) began to turn the tables, ending the half on a 22-13 run to cut that lead to nine at the break.

The Pioneers would hold the Titans at bay for the first several minutes of the third quarter, before Illinois Wesleyan scored seven consecutive points in a one minute span to cut the lead to one. The two teams then traded baskets and would head to the fourth and final quarter tied at 57. Carroll would grab the lead back on the opening possession of that frame on a Katie Barger layup, but Illinois Wesleyan scored the next 13 points to take an 11-point lead with six and a half minutes remaining. The Titans would lead by as many as 14, with Carroll only pulling to within six the rest of the way.

Gricius finished with a game-high 25 points, which is just two shy of her career-high, to go along with five rebounds. Olivia Rangel added 22 points and seven boards, while Barger and Emilie Wizzner each finished with eight points. The Pioneers finished the game shooting 50 percent (29-58) from the field and 39 percent (5-13) from 3-point range.

Illinois Wesleyan was led by Ava Bardic's 24 points. Kate Palmer and Lauren Huber added 21 and 20 points, respectively, which each player also recorded two steals. The Titans also finished the game shooting 50 percent (28-56) from the field and 50 percent (9-18) from 3-point range. They also converted 89 percent (16-18) of their free throws.

Carroll will try to get back on track Saturday when they'll travel to Wheaton (Ill.) College. That game will begin at 5 p.m. from King Arena in Wheaton, Ill.