MARION, Ind. - Grace's women's basketball team nearly pulled off the upset of No. 17 Indiana Wesleyan on the road on Saturday.

The Lady Lancers (6-22, 1-15 Crossroads League) played one of their more complete games of the season, ultimately losing by five 64-59.

Grace shot 44 percent from the floor as a team, including 52 percent in the second half. But the Wildcats (22-6, 11-5 CL) executed in the final quarter to hold on for the win.

In the first quarter, Grace's offense was lacking. The Lady Lancers missed 10 of their first 11 field goals and mustered only seven points in the quarter. Grace's defense did its part to keep the Wildcats within striking distance, however, as IWU led 14-7 at quarter's end.

Grace trailed by 11 early in the second quarter, but Jesse Feitz hit back-to-back shots to spark Grace and cut the Wildcats' lead to four at 19-15. 

Two triples in the final two minutes — including one from Kelsie Peterson and a last-second 3-pointer from Gabby Miller — trimmed the Wildcats' margin down to 28-25 at halftime.

After shooting 38 percent from the floor in the first half, Grace rediscovered its offense in the third quarter. The Lady Lancers produced 18 points and surged ahead 43-39 with 1:58 remaining in the quarter. But IWU closed the quarter with five straight points to cling to a 44-43 advantage.

The fourth quarter was a nailbiter. Grace led with with seven minutes remaining after two free throws from Haley Richardson. The Wildcats then swung ahead by six with 1:34 on the clock.

But Peterson buried another triple to cut IWU's lead in half, and Lauren Godfrey converted a driving and-1 to bring Grace within one with 15 seconds to play.

The Wildcats responded by hitting two free throws for a three-point edge, and Darian Patton's potential game-tying 3-pointer rimmed out on Grace's ensuing possession. Two more foul shots by IWU iced the win. 

Peterson and Miller tied for Grace's scoring honors with 11 points. Peterson was 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, and Miller passed out three assists.

Sarah Feasby produced 10 points and seven rebounds, and Richardson added 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Patton finished with eight points, and Godfrey scored six off the bench.

Grace got to the free throw line two more times than IWU, but the Lady Lancers struggled to connect on 58 percent of their attempts.

The Lady Lancers will end the regular season with two home games next week. Grace hosts league-leading No. 3 Marian on Wednesday 7 p.m. and Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Saturday at 2 p.m.