Box Score
EUGENE, Ore. – A season-high 25 points from Lindsey Shearer helped the Northwest Christian University women’s basketball team overcome an 11-point halftime deficit as they came back to defeat Simpson University on Tuesday evening, 68-61 at the Morse Event Center.
The Beacons (6-3) trailed 40-29 at the intermission after posting 13 turnovers and allowing nine Red Hawk steals over the first 20 minutes of action. NCU came roaring back to life in the second half, starting the period with a 11-4 run in the first three-and-a-half minutes to climb within four points on a three-pointer from senior Katie Collins.
The Beacons continued the dominance, making it a 24-8 streak as they opened up a 53-48 lead with 7:31 remaining. NCU would spread the advantage to as many as ten points before taking the seven-point victory.
Shearer finished her night shooting 9-for-15 from the field, adding six assists, five rebounds, and five steals for another all-around stellar performance. Collins was the only other player in double-figures, finishing with 14 points as she shot 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Aly Bruns also had a pair of three-pointers, pushing her just three shy of setting a new NCU career record. She finished with eight points, six rebounds, and four steals. Andrea Gloss added nine points and seven assists as the Beacons got all but seven of their points from the starting lineup.
Simpson (2-7) was led by Nichole Jones with 21 points, seven steals, five rebounds, four blocks and four assists. Kaila Smith added 13 points and Madison Cox came off the bench to contribute six points and a game-high 11 rebounds to the cause.
The Beacons out-rebounded the Red Hawks 53-40 in the game and held SU to 39.3% shooting. The Simpson bench outscored the Beacons reserves, 20-7.
NCU will be back in action on Friday evening as they open up Cascade Collegiate Conference action against Southern Oregon University. That game is set for a 5:30 pm tipoff.