Despite a sparkling performance by scrappy sophomore guard Patience Outer bridge, Radcliffe's basketball team was downed by Wheaton yesterday, 18 to 14, for its second straight basketball loss of the season.

Employing a Boston Celtics-style fast break, the Wheaties drew first blood and rolled up an early 9-0 lead. Radcliffe was unable to contain Wheaton's experienced ball-handling, and did not score until the last minute of the first half when captain Karia Krendi hit a jump shot from the corner.

But in the third quarter, the Cliffie sextet suddenly got hot. Penetrating the tight Wheaton two-two zone defense. Miss Querbridge drove the baseline for a two-pointer, then fed teammate Policy Quick for a score which put Radcliffe only three points behind. Miss Querbridge's lay up in the wanning moments of the quarter made it 9 to 8.

Radcliffe had the momentum, but Wheaton's sextet didn't give up. Wheaton held a slim 13-12 lead when the Cliffies finally run out of gas. Forward Barb Frehlingheusen hit a 20-foot set shot and center Martha Noyes scored a tip-in moments later which sewed it up for the Wheaties.

Wheaton's victory was a result of their ability to move the ball early in the game and of Radcliffie's inability to capitalize on their height advantage. The Wheaton guards had all the moves, and, as the proverb has it, a good little woman is better than a good big woman any day.