MILWAUKEE – The MSOE women's basketball team built an 18-point first-half lead, but had to hold off a late charge by Concordia Wisconsin in scoring a 55-53 victory Wednesday evening at the Kern Center.

The Raiders (18-5, 14-4 NACC) defeated the Falcons (17-6, 13-5 NACC) for the first time since 2002 and just the fourth time ever. The win gave this season's team sole possession of the school record for wins in a season at 18.

Sophomore Holly Denfeld had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead MSOE. Junior Megan Kroll added 14 points and seven boards, while sophomore Margaret Pugh knocked down all three of her three-point attempts for nine.

Madelyn Langraf scored a game-high 18 points for Concordia. Brianna Wagner had 10 points and 10 boards. Megan Coenen chipped in 10 points, as well.

The Raiders led big early and brought a 12-point lead out of halftime. They built that lead back up to 17 points at 49-32 on a Pugh three-pointer with 12:49 remaining.

The Falcons then mounted their comeback, going on a 21-3 run that last until a Langraf layup made it 53-52 Concordia with 1:33 remaining.

That would be CUW's last points, as the Red & White finished strong. Sophomore Shaylan Reardon hit a jumper with just over a minute to play to make it 54-53. Denfeld then came up with a block on the other end, leading to a Kroll free throw. The Raiders then forced a turnover at the other end with six seconds remaining.

MSOE would miss the impending free throw, but it would not allow a field goal attempt before the horn to secure the win.

The Raiders shot 43.8 percent from the field on the night, including 5-of-8 on three's, and committed 14 turnovers. They saw the Falcons shoot 42.9 percent, but make just 2-of-10 from beyond the arc and turn the ball over 18 times.

MSOE jumped ahead early in the game, scoring the first seven points of the game and building a 10-1 lead before CUW hit its first field goal. A 15-4 Raider run, finished off with eight-straight points, pushed the team's advantage to 31-13. The visitors did cut into their deficit, closing the first half on an 11-5 run to make it 36-24 at halftime.

The Red & White got the game off on the right foot as it shot 48.1 percent in the half, burying all four 3-point attempts, and forged an 11-5 advantage in turnovers. CUW shot 37.5 percent in the frame.

The Raiders return to the court Saturday, hosting Dominican.