PORTLAND, Ore.—In a battle of teams looking to move up in the conference standings, Northwest University defeated Concordia 82-62 behind the strength of a triple-double from senior center Jessalyn Jackson.

 

With both teams entering the match with identical records in league play, Northwest enhanced its chances of getting back into the top four seeds be improving to 7-8 overall and 3-4 in CCC action. Concordia, looking for a weekend sweep, fell to 2-5 in conference matches and 6-12 overall on the season.

 

Jackson, the NAIA leader after averaging more than five blocks per game, powered the Eagles to victory by finishing with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 13 blocks for the unconventional triple double. Her block total broke her own school record (10) and established the Cascade Collegiate Conference record previously held by Concordia’s Ann Snoddery against Northwest Christian during the 2009-10 season.

 

Jackson added four assists and two assists in 35 minutes of action.

 

The first half featured four separate extended runs as the two teams battled back and forth. Concordia’s Rachel Scarpelli connected on consecutive 3-pointers out of the gate to give the Cavaliers an early lead, but the Eagles responded with an 8-1 run to stake an 11-7 lead.

 

From there, three different Cavs recorded baskets as part seven straight points to reclaim the lead before an eight-point string by Northwest, highlighted by a three from Emily Drivstuen, shifted the advantage back to the visiting side with the score 21-15 with eight minutes remaining.

 

Jessalyn Jackson, who registered eight blocks in the first 14 minutes of play alone, started to take over on the offensive end to boost the Eagles to a 45-28 lead at the break.

 

The Cavs would not get any closer than 14 points 71-57 with 6:48 remaining in the second half.

 

Jackson and Drivstuen shared the match high with 27 points each while Domi Mendezona added 13. Scarpelli and McCutcheon shared the team high for Concordia with 11 points.

 

The Eagles shot 39.2 percent from the field while holding the Cavs to just 28.2 percent on a 22-of-78 shooting night. The Eagles also finished with a 57-50 edge in rebounds.

 

The Cavs return to action on Jan. 13 when it travels to face Northwest Christian University. Meanwhile, Northwest will host Oregon Tech. Both matches are set for a 5:30 p.m. start.