MARION, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University women's basketball team picked up a big road victory on Saturday, defeating Indiana Wesleyan University 58-49.

The win was SAU's first over the Wildcats since the 2015-16 season and improved the Cougars to 13-2 overall and 4-1 in the Crossroads League.

The game was tightly contested early, with the score tied 14-14 late in the first quarter before Haven Chapman broke the deadlock with a layup in the closing seconds. The Cougars never relinquished the lead from there. SAU built its advantage to 10 points in the second quarter and carried a 28-21 lead into halftime.

Spring Arbor took control after the break, pushing the margin to as many as 19 points during the third quarter. Indiana Wesleyan attempted to rally, but the Cougars maintained composure down the stretch to secure the win.

Megan Zeitz led SAU with 19 points while Ashley Weller added nine. Emma Smieska contributed six points, six rebounds, and four steals as part of a strong defensive effort that limited Indiana Wesleyan to 32.1 percent shooting and just 49 points – the fewest IWU has scored this season. The Cougars also forced the Wildcats into 22 turnovers, which was the most IWU has committed all year.

Spring Arbor returns home to host Bethel University (11-4, 2-3 CL) on Wednesday, Jan. 7 starting at 7 p.m. from the McDonald Athletic Center.