NU's Kia Gibson was named to the all-tournament team.
Eagles Pull Away from Pirates for Victory
SPOKANE, Wash. - Led by the 23 points of Kia Gibson, the NU Eagles broke open a close game midway through the second half for a 78-61 victory over Whitworth in the Quality Inn Oakwood Whitworth Tournament this afternoon.
In a close first half, the Eagles over came an early 11-2 Whitworth lead to go on a 9-0 run to take the lead, 13-11, on Brittney Marshalls' 3-pointer at the 12:15 mark. NU would maintain their lead the remainder of the half to take a slim, 30-28 lead into the locker room at the break.
The second half would continue to be a tightly contested game as the Eagles would hold onto a 2 to 4 point lead until the 12:21 mark and leading 43-41, the Eagles would then go on a 21-6 run to take a commanding 64-47 lead capped off by Jessalyn Jackson's offensive rebound and put back with 6:07 to go in the game. The Eagles would not be threatened the rest of the way as they would sink 8 out of 8 free throw attempts in the final 1:24 of the game to earn their 4th win of the young season.
In addition to Gibson's 23 points, senior Brittney Marshall scored 14 points while Jessalyn Jackson scored a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Domi Mendezona dropped in 9 points and McKenzie McKean dished out 5 assists for the game. NU (4-3) shot an impressive 49% for the night and converted 91% of their free throws, making 20 of 22 from the charity stripe.
Whitworth (1-1) was led by Jamie Lyons and Taylor LaMoreaux who scored 12 points a piece while Emily Guthrie and Lauren Picha each scored 11 for the Pirates. Whitworth shot 33% on the night and made 85% of their free throws (11-13).
Gibson and Jackson Named All-Tournament
Kia Gibson and Jesslyn Jackson were named to the Quality Inn Oakwood All-Tournament team following the game today.
"We got off to a bit of a slow start, but really stepped up our defense in the second half which got us some good looks at the basket at the other end of the court," commented Eagle Head Coach Lori Napier.
The Eagles will return to Kirkland and will host Whitman College on Friday, Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. in the NU Pavilion.