MILWAUKEE, WIS.—The Alverno College basketball team fell in NACC competition to crosstown rival Wisconsin Lutheran Saturday evening.

Neither team could gain the advantage early in the first quarter. A layup from Melissa Weyand saw the score tied at 8. Later, a three point field goal from Kendra Patterson saw the Inferno take a one point lead. The Warriors responded by hitting a three pointer just before the buzzer to knot the score at 13 heading to the second quarter of play.

To begin the second quarter, Wisconsin Lutheran collected a 17-13 advantage. At the 3:48 mark, Kendra Patterson converted from the free throw line and hit a jump shot to knock the Warrior lead to one at 25-24. A layup just before the half saw the Warriors take a 32-27 advantage into the intermission break.

In the third quarter, Wisconsin Lutheran extended their lead off back-to-back three point field goals at the 7:41 mark. Two layups for the Warriors forced an Alverno timeout at 47-33. Another two layups to end the quarter helped the Warriors hold a 61-35 lead heading to the final quarter.

A 15-2 run for the Warriors expanded the Wisconsin Lutheran lead to 78-39 with 4:56 to play in regulation. A three point field goal from Dani Hood helped the Inferno effort at the 1:50 mark. The strong offensive attack of Wisconsin Lutheran was too much for the Inferno. The Warriors claimed the conference win 87-45.

Three Inferno players finished on the day with nine points. Senior Gabby Hood chipped in with six rebounds while Mackenzie Mathies and Dani Hood both added four rebounds.

"I think we competed really well in the first half. I'm taking a lot of positives from tonight's game," Said Head Coach Jessica Ott.

Alverno College returns to action for a non-conference tilt against Maranatha Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.