Loggers Late Comeback Defeats Eagles
KIRKLAND, Wash. - The University of Puget Sound came from behind in the second half to defeat Northwest University, 88-75, tonight in a non-conference contest in the NU Pavilion.
UPS took a 40-29 lead at the half, but Northwest would start the second half on a 12-0 run to take a 41-40 lead at the 15:45 mark as Ebany Herd’s lay-up put the Eagles out in front. The second half remained close the entire way as there would be six lead changes and 3 ties. NU would begin to put some distance between themselves and the Loggers with 7:53 to go as Jessalyn Jackson would hit two free throws giving NU the 61-56 lead. NU would maintain their slim lead until UPS would heat up and begin their comeback late in the half.
Two straight three pointers, one by NU’s Emily Drivstuen and another by Carol Howard at the 6:39 mark, gave Northwest a 67-61 lead, but that’s when the Loggers’ shooting would heat up and the Eagles would cool.
Trailing by six points with 6:39 to go in the game UPS shot six for six in three minutes and 30 seconds including a perfect three for three from the 3-point line to take the lead, 73-72, with Taylor Jones’ three pointer with 3:58 remaining in the game. A Northwest turnover and another 3-pointer by Joycelyn Riordan gave the Loggers the lead for good, 76-72, as they would close out the game going 12 for 13 from the free throw line.
Northwest U. (1-1) was led by Jackson’s game high 31 points, 10 rebounds and 61% shooting for the night. Carol Howard added 15 points and Emily Drivstuen contributed 13 for the Eagles who shot 46% as a team.
Puget Sound’s (1-0) leading scorer was Joycelyn Riordan who finished with 22 points while Kelsey McKinnis added 16 points for the Loggers. Sarah Stewart scored a double-double with her 13 points and 16 rebounds and Lindsay Layland added 13 points. UPS out rebounded Northwest 43-37 including 18 offensive boards. UPS shot 40% from 2-point range and 47% from beyond the 3-point arc.
"The girls played their hearts out tonight," said Lori Napier, Eagle head coach. "They were just gassed by a rough preseason schedule. If they keep playing with that heart, the wins will eventually start to come."
Northwest will now travel to Newberg, Oregon, for another non-conference game with George Fox University on Saturday night. Game time is slated for 6 p.m.