Corban and Northwest players scramble for a loose ball.
Northwest Battles Back, Posts First CCC Victory
KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University came on strong in the final six minutes of play to defeat Corban, 65-54, to earn their first Cascade Conference victory tonight.
After taking a six point lead at the half, 32-26, the young Eagles would see that lead disappear early in the second half as Corban would out score the Eagles 12-3 to take a 3 point lead at the 16:11 mark (38-35). But a jumper by Alyssa Dario and a diving layup by Corinne Burke would give the Eagles a 41-40 lead with 14:29 left in the game. From that point on it would be Northwest’s game as they would lead the remainder of the way. After a Sanda Milovic offensive rebound, Burke would drain a 3 pointer to increase the NU lead to five, 47-42 (11:47). Another trey by Jordan Asher and two free throws by Carley Davis would increase the Eagle lead to nine, 51-42, with 10 minutes left in the game. With Northwest up 10, 53-43, Corban would make a 6-0 run to pull to within four with 4:02 showing on the clock, but Asher would continue the hot hand and sink another 3 pointer to make it 56-49 (3:31). Northwest U. would then go 7 for 8 from the free throw line in the final 1:21 to clinch their second win of the season.
Northwest U.’s (2-8, 1-2 CCC) sophomore, Corinne Burke, hit 6 of 9 shots to tie for game high honors with 16 points while adding 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Freshman Jordan Asher came off the bench to add 12 points and 4 rebounds, and junior Domi Mendezona contributed 10 points and 7 assists for the Eagles. NU held the edge in rebounds with a 59-42 edge which included 19 offensive rebounds. 82% free throw shooting aided the Eagles as they sunk 14 of 17 from the line and they shot 33% from the floor.
Corban (3-11, 0-4 CCC) was led by Tara Vanweerdhuizen who finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Teammates Emily Tsugawa and Julia Young each scored 10 points with Tsugawa dishing out 5 assists and Young grabbing 6 rebounds. The Warriors shot a cool 28% for the game and were limited to 22% from beyond the 3 point line.
Said Coach Lori Napier of Northwest, “Monday night was so disappointing for us my team could have quit, but they didn’t and came out even harder tonight. I am incredibly proud of them.”
Northwest U. will have a short break and then travel to Caldwell, Idaho and LaGrande, Oregon this weekend to play the College of Idaho on Fri., Dec. 21 and Eastern Oregon on Sat., Dec. 22 before taking time off for the holidays. Corban remains on the road and will head to Eugene on Dec. 22 to take on travel partner Northwest Christian.