Lizzie Stapke (Highland, IN/Highland) scored 14 points and pulled down seven rebounds, while Ashley Carson (Winchester, TN/Franklin County) and Nichole Sly (Niles, MI/Niles) each chipped in with nine points, but it wasn't enough as IU South Bend (8-13, 0-2 CCAC) could not withstand a late run, falling to Roosevelt 56-53.

The Titans came out of the gate quickly, scoring on their first two possessions to take a quick 4-0 lead. After the Lakers tied the contest, the teams traded scores, before IU South Bend went on a quick 6-0 run, sparked by a Stapke lay-in and a Sly triple, to take a 12-7 edge. Roosevelt answered, however, embarking on a 20-8 spurt that spanned better than 12 minutes to open up a seven point edge late in the first half.

The Titans had a response. An Emily Strilich (Valparaiso, IN/Boone Grove) jumper, followed by a Carson three trimmed the lead to just a pair and after Strilich came away with a steal with just six second to play, Stapke banked in a 30-foot runner to give the Titans a one-point lead - 28-27 - into the half.

The second half was much of the same, with the teams trading spurts. The Lakers started by opening up a 38-32 lead, only to see IU South Bend claw back to within two at 40-38. The Lakers scored the next five, pushing their lead back to seven, but the Titans stormed back once again.

A Stapke three sliced the lead to four, and after Courtney Simpson (Nappanee, IN/NorthWood) split a pair of free throws, Carson connected from long range again, tying the game at 45. The Lakers scored on their next possession, however, and the Titans were never able to close the gap.

Strilich led the way on the glass for the Titans, pulling down eight boards, while also leading the team with three assists.

The Titans return to the court on Saturday, January 28, when they host NAIA D1 #13 St. Xavier. Tip-off of that game is set for 12:00 PM (EST). A live video stream of the game will be available at www.iusbtitans.com.