WALTHAM, Mass. – Senior Julia Elie had the best game of her collegiate career while leading the No. 22 Bentley women's basketball team to a 64-54 win over Saint Anselm Wednesday evening.

Elie scored 17 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, both of which are career highs. She shot 7-for-10 from the floor and chipped in three assists.

Niya Morgen scored 15 points for Bentley (15-3, 11-1 NE10), and Kayana Armbrister added 12.

Elie was an immediate force against the Hawks. She had eight points and five rebounds within the first seven minutes of the game. When she wasn't scoring and rebounding, Elie was finding open teammates. Her assist on a Morgen 3-pointer increased Bentley's lead to 17-4.

The Hawks (9-8, 4-8 NE10) clawed their way back in the second quarter to make it a two-possession game, 25-19. In fitting fashion, however, Elie beat the first-half buzzer with a layup that gave Bentley a 39-30 lead going into the break.

The Falcons' lead got down to just one point, 39-38, in the third quarter, but Elie scored in the paint to give Bentley a little bit of breathing room. The Hawks' ensuing possession resulted in a turnover. When Elie got the ball in the paint again, Saint Anselm hacked away and sent Bentley's center to the free-throw line.

Elie knocked down both attempts to increase the lead to 43-38.

Bentley led by no less than five points for the entire fourth quarter.

The Falcons are on the road to New Hampshire this weekend, where they will play at Franklin Pierce Saturday, Feb. 7. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.