UW-Stevens Point used a suffocating defense and dominating rebounding advantage to post a 71-44 win over fifth-ranked Wheaton on Saturday at Berg Gym.

The Pointers held the Thunder to 32.2 percent shooting and had a 50-26 rebounding differential in posting their fifth straight win to open the season. Wheaton lost for the third time since the lofty preseason ranking as it fell to 2-3 overall.

Katie Webber (Reedsburg/Reedsburg) sparked the Pointers' defensive effort with five steals. She also penetrated the Wheaton defense for several layups while scoring a game-high 16 points on seven-for-10 shooting.

The Pointers held the Thunder without a field goal for a span of 7:03 of the first half in building a 24-11 lead with four minutes left. UW-Stevens Point shot an uncharacteristic 28.0 percent in the first half after entering the game at 57.0 percent for the season, but still led 29-19 at halftime by making 14 of 20 first half free throws.

UW-Stevens Point maintained its lead until turnovers on five of six possessions allowed Wheaton to move within six points at 42-36 with 11:17 left. However, Webber again drove to the basket for a layup to spark a six-point run to push the lead back to 12 points.

The Pointers closed the game by scoring the last 12 points over the final 4:51 of the contest. UW-Stevens Point shot 54.2 percent in the second half and finished the game at 40.8 percent, marking the first time the Pointers have been held below 50 percent this season.

UW-Stevens Point also had a sizable advantage at the free throw line, making 28 of 37 attempts compared to just six-for-12 for Wheaton. Chelsea Kranz (Columbus/Columbus) made all eight of her attempts and finished with eight points and eight rebounds. Haley Houghton (Wausau/Wausau East) was perfect on six free throws and had 10 points, while Jesirae Heuer (Wisconsin Rapids/Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln) added 11 points and eight rebounds.

Jill Trenz and Kathleen Fidelia each had 12 points for the Thunder.