NEW ALBANY, Ind.- Smothering defense was on display Tuesday night as Asbury edged IU Southeast 54-52.

Both defenses shut down the offensive production of two of the top offenses in the KIAC. IU Southeast (8-7, 4-2 KIAC) held the Eagles to 54 points, 31 off their season average, but free throw shooting was the difference.

Megan Cureton's drive with 17 second left was stolen by Sam Burr of the Eagles. She hit both free throws to make it 54-50 and put the game away.

Asbury (14-3, 5-1 KIAC) shot 14-of-19 at the line in the second half at the line and 70 percent for the game to secure the win.

UI Southeast trailed by as many as 12 in the first half behind an anemic offense that shot just 29 percent from the field in the opening frame. They were able to cut the lead to 30-24 at halftime.

The Grenadiers hit eight shots (8-of-33) in the second half and could not overcome Asbury's lead. Asbury shot just 4-of-24 from the field in the second half.

Bridgette Jones led the Grenadiers with 14 points and Heather Wheat added 10 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

Ellie Steiner had 11 points to lead the Eagles.

IU Southeast visits Cincinnati Christian Thursday at 5 p.m.