SPRING ARBOR, MI - The Spring Arbor University women's basketball squad got a firsthand look as to why the Indiana Wesleyan University Wildcats are the #1 rated team in the country in the NAIA. They are good! The Wildcats dismantled the Lady Cougars 70-39 with precision shooting and swarming defense.

The game didn't really get out of hand until the second half as SAU kept pace with the hot-shooting IWU team in the first half 31-23. Angela Russell stroked a 30 foot 3-pointer at the buzzer to cut the IWU lead to eight points going into the half.

Coming out of the break, the Cougars looked as if they were going to run with the Wildcats as Audra Norris hit a 3-pointer, and a minute later Ashley Stelter hit a 3-pointer at the 17:40 mark. But that would be the last field goal Spring Arbor would hit until Jessica Garrison grabbed her own rebound and put back with six seconds left in the game.

"We did a lot of good things today that the box score my not indicate," said Coach Ryan Frost. "IWU is a very talented team and they hit open shots. We look forward to getting back on the floor and to get ready for Taylor.

Indiana Wesleyan hit 53% of their shots from the floor including a staggering 57% (8-14) from beyond the arc.

Angela Russell and Sarah Wellman led Spring Arbor each scoring eight points. Wellman tied her season high for the second time this year.

Jessica Garrison grabbed a team high six rebounds.

Spring Arbor will play Taylor on Wednesday, February 8 in Upland, IN. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m.