The Saints put together what was perhaps their best performance of the young season on Thursday, but it wasn't enough as Nebraska Christian College escaped with an 82-68 victory over the Central Christian College of the Bible women in the Ferneau Center.

Early on there were multiple lead changes until Nebraska Christian (4-4) caught fire from behind the 3-point line and pushed their lead to 23-15 at the end of the first quarter. Central Christian (1-3) narrowed the gap to 29-27 midway through the second stanza, but again the Sentinels answered to take a 40-31 advantage at the half.

Early in the third quarter, both team traded baskets before the Saints went on another run to bring the score up to 51-49. The Sentinels responded one final time, this time extending their lead to 22 with a 23-3 run in the fourth quarter.

Crystal Eureste and Amber Grimes both scored a team-high 20 points to lead Central Christian. Damia Covington finished with a double-double scoring 10 points and grabbing a team-high 13 rebounds.

Nebraska Christian was led by Kayla Bloodworth with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Alexis Frondarina tossed in 19 points, while Aleita Amparan added 17.

The Saints return to action on Saturday as they travel to Jacksonville, Ill., to face NCAA Division III opponent MacMurray College. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m., following the Central Christian vs. MacMurray men's game that begins at 2 p.m.