MILWAUKEE – The MSOE women's basketball team led by as many as 15 points in the first half, but could not hold on in falling to Concordia Wisconsin 58-55 Wednesday evening at the Kern Center.

The Raiders (12-6, 10-3 NACC) posted a dominant second quarter in building a 13-point halftime advantage, but the Falcons (14-3, 11-2 NACC) turned the tables in the second half to forge a regular season split.

Junior Holly Denfeld scored 23 points to go with 15 rebounds and three blocked shots for MSOE. Junior Lizzy Hilby hit on four 3-pointers on her way to 14 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists in the game.

Baylee Barker led Concordia Wisconsin with 13 points, while Madelyn Landgraf and Samantha Blissett tallied 10 points each.

The game was tight early with the teams trading baskets through much of the first quarter before the Red & White defense stepped up. While the Raiders were rattling off a 19-3 run to seize control of the game, the defense held CUW without a field goal for 8:17. The stretch turned an 11-9 deficit into a 28-14 lead for MSOE.

Moments later, Hilby drained a three-pointer for a 15-point lead at 31-16. The score was 33-20 at halftime.

In the second quarter, the Falcons shot just 1-for-15 after missing their final four of the opening period. Meanwhile, the Raiders shot 50 percent in the half to outscore the visitors 18-8.

Concordia Wisconsin rebounded in the third quarter, opening on a 7-0 run to pull within 33-27. The Raiders quickly re-established a 12-point advantage after a Denfeld three-point play and Hilby three-pointer minutes later. But, CUW rallied for an extended 28-12 run that extended to the final moments and gave the visitors a 56-53 lead.

Scott came up with a layup to make it 56-55 with just over a minute remaining and senior Marly Trier came up with a defensive rebound with 32.9 seconds on the clock. After an offensive foul, Landgraf hit two free throws to make it a three-point game once again with 21.3 seconds on the clock.

The Raiders had two attempts at the game-tying three-pointer in the closing seconds, but an errant pass at the end capped any chance for a comeback.

Free throws proved to be the difference, as the Falcons got to the line 20 times, making 19. MSOE shot just seven free throws, making all seven. The Red & White defense limited CUW to 32.1 percent shooting, while both teams committed 15 turnovers. Scott had four steals and Trier had three.

The Raiders are back in action Saturday at Rockford.