PLU Edges Northwest
KIRKLAND, WA - NU hit a scoring drought the final 3:20 of the game tonight as Pacific Lutheran University cam from behind and defeated the Eagles, 59-56, in non-conference play.
Northwest held a slim 27-25 halftime lead as Brittany Bowsher sank a 3-pointer to give NU a 30-25 lead to start the second half. Northwest increased their lead to ten, 53-43 with 6:25 remaining in the game, but then the Lutes began their come back. A freethrow by Trinity Gibbons and two freethrows by teammate Kyle Haug brought the Lutes to within five, 53-48, with 5:13 left on the clock. Two more freethrows by Trish Buckingham made the score 56-54 with 2:09 left in the game and a jumper by Trinity Gibbons tied the game at 56 with 1:52 to go. Melissa Richardson's freethrow at the 1:17 mark gave the Lutes the lead for good at 57-56.
Junior Brittany Bowsher (Issaquah, WA/Issaquah HS) lead Northwest U. (0-3) with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Freshman Chelsea Drivstuen (Monroe, WA/Monroe HS) scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Eagles. The Eagles turned the ball over 23 times and lost the rebounding battle, 46 to 39.
Trinity Gibbons (Jr., Riddle, OR/Riddle HS) led PLU (2-1) with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists while teammate Emily Voorhies (Jr., Auburn, WA/Auburn HS) scored 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Lutes. Senior Trish Buckingham (Pt. Angeles, WA/Pt. Angeles HS) added another 9 points for the victors,
The Eagles will prepare for their Cascade Conference opener next week as Concordia and Corban College travel to Kirkland on Friday and Saturday evenings. Game times are slated for 5:30 p.m.