KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University broke open a close game and out scored Cascade College 40-23 in the second half to pull away with a 69-49 Cascade Conference victory tonight.

 

In a first half that saw one tie and 5 lead changes, Northwest U. went into the locker room with a slim, 29-26 lead at halftime.

 

Cascade tied the game at 29-all to start the second half and it looked like it would be more of the same, but Northwest U. then went on a 10-0 run capped off by Erika Hornyak’s 3-pointer at the 14:20 mark as NU bolted to a 39-29 lead which they would hold the remainder of the contest. Senior Brittany Bowsher’s offensive tip in with 9:32 remaining, gave the Eagles a commanding 51-33 lead and Erika Hornyak’s two free throws moments later would increase NU’s lead to 20 points (56-36) with 7:30 to go in the game. Cascade could get no closer than 19 points the rest of the way as the Eagles pulled away for the victory.

 

Sophomore Erika Hornyak led Northwest U. (9-19, 7-12 CCC) with her game high 17 points. Senior Brittany Bowsher (Issaquah, Wash.) scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds while teammate Carleigh Newman (Fresh., Ferndale, Wash.) finished with 10 points. With her 14 points, Bowsher is now at 1,161 points for her career with the Eagles despite missing the first 14 games due to ACL knee surgery in July. NU out rebounded Cascade, 49-39. NU shot 40% for the game from 2-point range.

 

“It was a great team win,” stated Northwest U. head coach, Lori Napier. “we really stepped up our defense in the second half. I’m happy for the seniors that we get to continue on into the playoffs,” Napier concluded.

 

Cascade College (11-15, 4-15 CCC) was led by Kristina Schumacher’s (Jr., Lake Stevens, Wash.) 14 points. Teammate Robin Swain (Sr., Reno, Nev.) added 13 points and Amy Russell (Sr., Angels Camp, Calif.). The Thunderbirds were held to 18% shooting (5-27) in the second half, 23% for the game.

 

Northwest finishes the regular season tomorrow night as they host Warner Pacific while Cascade travels to Olympia to take on Evergreen State College and the school’s final basketball game.