WHEATON, Ill. - In Wednesday's College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) action, the Carthage College women's basketball team defeated Wheaton 84-79.

• Final score: Carthage 84 - Wheaton 79

• Location: King Arena - Wheaton, Ill. 

• Records: Carthage 12-12 (5-10 CCIW) Wheaton 11-13 (4-11 CCIW)

• The Firebird offense got off to a quick start with a layup by Lauren Knight, putting Carthage ahead 7-2 with six minutes left in the first quarter. 

• Carthage held the lead and began the second quarter ahead 15-12. 

• The Firebirds maintained the momentum with Marguet Spear's layup improving Carthage's lead to five points, 22-17, with eight minutes left in the first half. 

• Lauren Knight closed out Carthage's offense in the first half with a three-pointer in the final seconds. 

• The Firebirds led 39-32 at halftime.  

• Marianna Morrissey opened the third quarter by finding success from beyond the arc, extending Carthage's 42-37 lead over Wheaton with eight minutes left in the quarter. 

• After five lead changes in the final 90 seconds of the third quarter, a three-pointer by Margueret Spear secured Carthage's lead, 56-54, heading into the fourth quarter. 

• The Firebirds were ahead for most of the fourth quarter, leading 66-61 with under six minutes left 

• While Wheaton attempted to bridge the gap, a three-pointer from Malia Green increased the Firebirds' lead to ten points, 77-67, with 60 seconds left. 

• Emma Thistle scored a pair of free throws in the final seconds, leading to Carthage's 84-79 win over Wheaton. 

• Lauren Knight led with 21 points, Marianna Morrissey added 18 points, and Margueret Spear ended with 17 points and eight rebounds on the night. 
• Malia Green contributed 13 points and three rebounds, while Addison Ebeling chipped in with six rebounds on the defensive end. 

"It feels great to get back in the win column. We took care of the ball and shared it well, with 17 assists and 8 turnovers. We were aggressive in the press and got some easy baskets which really helped us control the pace of the game. Multiple players stepped up and made free throws down the stretch. Really proud of our effort tonight!"

• Carthage will take on Millikin on Saturday, February 17, at 2 p.m.