NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Maddie Gard led her team with 23 points, as IU South Bend built a big first-half lead on their way to a 74-56 win at Holy Cross on Tuesday night.

Gard collected seven steals and five rebounds as well in the win, shooting 10-for-14 from the floor. Katie Gard finished with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting with five boards.

The Titans (12-4, 5-3 CCAC) took control midway through the first quarter, scoring a 9-0 run to claim a 15-6 advantage by the 5:20 mark. The Saints (8-7, 3-6 CCAC) were held to just three more points through the rest of the opening period, as IUSB went up 23-9 by the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter the Titans continued to separate themselves, holding their opponents to just one field goal over the final 7:44 of the first half. Twelve points from Maddie Gard in the second quarter allowed IUSB to double up the Saints in the period, 24-12, and take a 47-21 lead at the half.

Holy Cross rallied in the third quarter, closing the period on an 11-0 run and cutting the Titan lead to 54-36. A bucket from Maddy Schumacher to open the fourth quarter, followed by two quick scores from Maddie Gard pushed the lead back to over 20, as the Titans closed out the victory down the stretch.

The Titans will break for the holidays, before resuming their three-game road swing on Monday, January 3 with a trip to Judson. Tipoff with the Eagles is set for 6:00 p.m. ET.