A dominant defensive effort led St. Ambrose to a big season-ending win as the Bees ran past Trinity Christian 72-52 Saturday in Palos Heights, Ill.

The Bees held the Trolls to 19-of-62 shooting, slightly better than 30 percent. Trinity Christian (4-22, 4-16 CCAC) shot better than 40 percent from the field in just one quarter, that being the fourth after the game had long been decided.

St. Ambrose (7-18, 7-13 CCAC) gradually pulled away over the first three periods. SAU led 22-14 after one quarter, upped the advantage to 37-23 at the half, and built a 58-32 lead heading into the final frame. The margin grew to 30 points midway through the fourth before TCC made a late push to cut the final margin to 20.

The Trolls' shooting struggles extended to beyond the arc as they hit just 7-of-29 3-point attempts, a 24-percent mark.

Caitlyn Thole led SAU with another double-double, recording 21 points and 12 rebounds. Abby Wolter finished with 15 points and eight rebounds and Kaitlyn Brunson scored 13.

Kashell Daughty scored seven points. Madison Fuller added five points and Andie Burch had four. Payton Calouette, Aryelle King and Kania Starks scored two points apiece, and Allie Govert scored one.

Olivia Harter, Elly Holubar, Caroline Cool, Liz Fish and Elly Doe also contributed in the win.

Despite the big win, St. Ambrose lost a tiebreaker for the final CCAC Tournament berth. St. Francis (11-17, 7-13 CCAC) upset Saint Xavier Saturday and won the tiebreaker to earn the eighth seed in the upcoming playoffs.