BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The University of Chicago women's basketball team suffered their first loss of the season, falling 71-52 to No.3 Illinois Wesleyan on the road at Shirk Center. Despite strong individual efforts from Bri Simpson and Sophia North, the Maroons were outpaced in the second half and struggled with shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc. Chicago will now start a 14-day holiday break before they head on their trip to California.

FINAL SCORE
#3 Illinois Wesleyan – 71
#18/25 UChicago - 52

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Maroons faced a tough challenge from the outset. A slow start in the first quarter, where they scored just 9 points and shot only 16.7% from the field, foreshadowed early struggles throughout the game.  
• The second quarter saw UChicago improve offensively, but they still couldn't make up enough ground, heading into halftime down 30-20. It was only the second time this season the Maroons had not been up at the half.
• UChicago showed some fight in the third quarter, scoring 13 points, with Simpson leading the way. But Illinois Wesleyan ramped up their offense, outscoring the Maroons 24-13 in the third. While UChicago had a strong final quarter, with 19 points, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit as Illinois Wesleyan's offensive execution and defense stifled any chances of a comeback.
• Bri Simpson led all UChicago players with 18 points on 6-12 shooting, also contributing 4 rebounds. Simpson's 18 was a new career-high for the sophomore. Sophia North added 12 points and four rebounds and Bella Alfaro provided seven points and three rebounds.

 
UCHICAGO STAT TRACKER
Points – Bri Simpson (18)
Rebounds – Bri Simpson (6)
Assists – Five with one
Steals – Four with one
Blocks – Three with one


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