MILWAUKEE – The MSOE women's basketball team put together a strong second half, but could not overcome scoring just nine points in the first half in falling to Benedictine 58-46 Wednesday evening at the Kern Center.

The Raiders (11-4, 7-3 NACC) won the second half, 37-30, but it was not enough to offset a difficult start in falling to the Eagles (8-6, 8-1 NACC).

Sophomore Holly Denfeld scored 12 points for MSOE and blocked six shots in the game—tied for fifth-most in a game in school history. She was joined in double-figures by sophomore Shaylan Reardon with 12 points. Senior Marly Trier and sophomore Margaret Pugh scored eight points each.

Meghan Novak had a game-high 20 points, while Nicole Botich posted a double-double of 1

The Eagles opened the game on a 15-3 run as the Raiders hit just one of their first 15 shots. After back-to-back baskets made it 15-7, MSOE missed its next 10 field goal tries as Ben U continued to pull away and take a 28-9 lead into the break.

Despite the score, the Raider defense did what it could limiting the visitors to just 31.2 percent shooting in the frame. The biggest difference came on the boards, as Benedictine held a commanding 31-16 rebounding advantage in the half with 11 on the offensive end.

MSOE rebounded in the second half and made it competitive.

Despite trailing by as any as 23 early in the frame, the team began to press, put pressure on BenU and cut into its lead. The Raiders whittled into the deficit and then used an 8-0 run to pull within 11 at 47-36 with 4:11 to play, forcing an Eagle timeout from the bench. Unfortunately, they would get no closer than 10 down the stretch.

The Red & White shot a hot 50 percent in the second half to finish at 30.9 for the game. Meanwhile, it limited Benedictine to 38.2 shooting in the game.

The Raiders return to the court Saturday, hosting Concordia Chicago.