DE PERE, Wis. — Illinois Tech faced a tough challenge against St. Norbert College falling 76-50 at the Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center. Despite the loss, Chloe Churrilla pulled down 11 rebounds in the contest which now puts her at 500 rebounds in her Scarlet Hawk career.  Illinois Tech's current record stands at 2-11 overall and 1-5 in NACC play, while the Green Knights hold a 7-5 overall record and remain undefeated in conference play at 5-0.

How It Happened

St. Norbert jumped out to an early lead with Oakley Witteck scoring a layup in the first 10 seconds. The Green Knights controlled the paint, with Taylor Thiry adding multiple buckets, including a fast-break layup at 6:16. Illinois Tech struggled with turnovers but gained some momentum late in the quarter. Camden Joko's 3-pointer and defensive rebounds from Berit Rusing and Chloe Churilla helped narrow the gap. St. Norbert closed the quarter strong, with Avery Bierowski's finish at the rim securing a 20-13 lead by the end of the first.

In the second quarter, St. Norbert capitalized on turnovers early on, with Olivia Conway scoring a fast-break layup at 9:48 after a steal. They extended their lead with an 8-0 run, highlighted by Witteck's 3-pointer at 8:45. Illinois Tech answered with a 3-pointer from Joko at 6:10, assisted by Rusing. Despite the effort, St. Norbert maintained control, with Bierowski adding a jumper at 1:51, assisted by Thiry. Amanda Wang closed the quarter for the Scarlet Hawks with a 3-pointer at 0:32, but St. Norbert held a 38-25 lead going into halftime.

The third quarter saw St. Norbert extend their lead with a strong offensive display. Marnie Kahl was instrumental, scoring multiple baskets, including key 3-pointers at 6:43 and 3:20, pushing the score to 55-29. Illinois Tech found it challenging to keep pace, with Churilla adding points late in the quarter by converting two free throws with 1:10 remaining, narrowing the gap to 59-35. St. Norbert stayed in control, ending the quarter ahead 59-35, after outscoring Illinois Tech 21-10.

In the fourth quarter, both teams exchanged baskets, each scoring seven field goals. Churilla made her presence felt for Illinois Tech with multiple layups, including one at 1:14 assisted by Halle Williams, contributing to their 15 points in the quarter. St. Norbert maintained their advantage with a strong inside game, highlighted by Makayla Foley's fast-break layup at 1:35 and a 3-pointer with 48 seconds left, assisted by Makayla Hayes. At the 4:41 mark of the fourth quarter Chloe Churrilla reordered her 11th rebound of the game which put her at 500 career rebounds as the Scarlet Hawk.  

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Chloe Churilla
- 14 points
- 4/5 free throws made
- 11 rebounds (now with 500 in her career)
- 2 steals

Berit Rusing
- 8 points
- 2 assists
- 8 rebounds

Halle Williams
- 8 points
- 3 assists
- 1 steal

St. Norbert Top Performers

Taylor Thiry
- 17 points
- 11 rebounds
- 2 steals

Marnie Kahl
- 18 points
- 2 3-pointers
- 6 rebounds

Olivia Conway
- 4 steals
- 5 assists
- 2 points

Oakley Witteck
- 9 points
- 2 steals
- 100% free-throw shooting (2/2)

Up Next
 Illinois Tech will host Concordia University Chicago on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. The game will take place at the Keating Sports Center in Chicago, Illinois.