FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Franklin College women's basketball team got back in the win column on Thursday (Feb. 11) night, turning in a sterling defensive effort in a 68-52 win over the Mount St. Joseph Lions.

Franklin (5-3) had four players reach double digit point totals, but the story of the game was the Grizzlies' defense as they limited the Lions (3-2) to just 22.1% (15-for-68) shooting on the night to snap a three-game slide.

A pair of early threes from junior Britney Ballard spotted Franklin an early lead, but that would be erased shortly after by the Lions. The opening 10 minutes decided little, as the two sides were tied at 12 through one quarter.

The game's first big run came midway through the second quarter, with seven straight Franklin points putting the hosts firmly in control. Franklin held The Mount to just two field goals in the second quarter while going 8-for-17 from the field to take a 31-23 lead into the half.

The Lions opened the second half with an 8-2 run to get back within a pair but Franklin would close out the third quarter with a run that put the game out of reach. Over the final 3:47 of the third quarter, Franklin out-scored the Lions 10-3 and held a 49-41 lead with 10 minutes to go. The fourth quarter featured a clinic from the Grizzlies at both ends of the floor, as they held The Mount to 2-for-17 from the field while knocking down 6-of-8 shots and six of their nine free throws before the final horn.

Destinee Cross topped the Grizzlies in scoring for the second straight game, finishing with 15 points and adding six rebounds. Jessica Nix recorded a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double, Ballard had 13 points and CiCi Bailey set a career-high with 11 points off the bench. Franklin's reserves played a critical role in the win, out-scoring the Lions' bench by a 22-3 count.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday (Feb. 13) afternoon, this time in the Harrington Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.