JOHNSON, Vt. - The Norwich University women's basketball team lost its fourth straight game on Tuesday evening as the Cadets dropped a 68-55 decision to Johnson State.

The Badgers (3-1) used a 14-0 run to close the first half and never trailed after halftime en route to the victory.

Norwich (0-4) led 27-18 with 3:33 remaining in the first half, but Johnson State ended the stanza with a 14-0 run to assume a 32-27 halftime advantage.

Johnson State increased its lead to 10 points midway through the second half, but NU trimmed the margin to three points at 55-52 with 5:50 to play. That was as close as the Cadets would get however, as the Badgers hit 11-of-13 free throws down the stretch to ice the game away.

Jenna Lewis led all scorers, pouring 21 points for Johnson State. Claudia Martineau and Staci Cutting also scored in double figures for the Badgers, netting 17 and 12 points, respectively.

Natalie Marchese paced the Norwich offense with 14 points, while Ally Daniels scored 13 points. Erica Rate chipped in nine points, connecting on three shots from behind the three-point stripe.

Johnson State out-rebounded Norwich, 38-24.

Norwich returns to the friendly confines of Andrews Hall this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, when the Cadets host the 2007 Hockenbury Tournament.

NU will begin tournament action with a matchup versus The Apprentice School on Friday at 6 p.m. The second matchup features Bates and St. Lawrence, and is slated to tip-off at 8 p.m.

The tournament consolation game is slated for Saturday at 1 p.m., with the championship contest scheduled for 3 p.m. that afternoon.