St. Ambrose used a strong defensive effort to pull away for a 67-50 win over Trinity Christian Wednesday night in Lee Lohman Arena. The Bees limited the Trolls to just 32 percent shooting, including a 2-of-18 mark from beyond the arc.

Holding a 35-28 halftime lead, SAU used a dominant third quarter to break things open. Trinity Christian (2-12, 2-6 CCAC) was just 2-of-10 from the floor and 1-of-5 from 3-point range in scoring just five points in the frame. 

The Trolls scored the first basket of the period, a 3-pointer, to pull to within 35-31 before the Bees took over. Layups from Kashell Daughty and Allie Govert were followed by a pair of Abby Wolter free throws to open up a 41-31 lead. Then after a TCC basket, Kaitlyn Brunson scored five straight points before Govert closed the quarter with a 3-pointer to give St. Ambrose a 49-33 lead entering the fourth.

The lead remained in double figures the rest of the way.

While Trinity Christian shot at just an 11-percent clip on threes, St. Ambrose (3-11, 3-6 CCAC) hit 6-of-15 from deep to finish at 40 percent. The Bee defense also forced 27 turnovers which led to 19 SAU points. 

Wolter led three Bees in double figures with 17 points. She also grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds, six of those coming in the opening quarter which helped SAU to a 16-10 lead.

Caitlyn Thole scored 15 points to go along with seven rebounds. Payton Calouette came off the bench to drop in 10 points.

Govert scored six points, Daughty added five, Kania Starks finished with three points and Elly Doe added two.

St. Ambrose will hit the road to visit St. Francis in a CCAC matchup Saturday.