NU's Sanda Milovic teamed up with Domi Mendezona as they each scored 16 for the game
Late Surge Helps Lift Pirates over Eagles
KIRKLAND, Wash. - Whitworth used a 16-2 second half run to help them down Northwest University 83-78, in a non-conference contest this afternoon. Trailing 52-46, the Pirates outscored the Eagle 16-2 run to re-take the lead 62-54.
Northwest was trailing 35-32, but a steal as the first half was winding down and a 24 foot 3-pointer by the Eagles Domi Mendezona would tie the score, 35-35, just as the buzzer sounded ending the period.
In the second half and with the game tied at 41-41, Northwest would go on an 11-5 run aided by a Jenna Lewis 3-pointer and a Domi Mendezona jumper to lead 52-46 with 12:56 showing on the clock. After a time out, it would be Whitworth gaining the momentum as they would go on their 16-2 run capped as KC McConnell scored 7 of their final 9 points of the run.
Northwest would make a late run at the Pirates as would pull to within one, 79-78 with 18 seconds to go. Lexie Zappone would hit two free throws giving Whitworth an 81-78 lead with 14 seconds showing on the clock as Jordan Asher’s 3-pointer would rim out on the next possession which would have tied the score. Jamie Lyons would clinch the game with a second to go as she would sink two free throws.
Northwest (9-6) got 16 points each from Domi Mendezona and Sanda Milovic. Milovic added a team high 9 rebounds. Jordan Asher scored 15 points and Chanara Greene added 14 points. The Eagles shot 53% in the second half to help keep things close and out rebounded Whitworth 41-36.
Whitworth (6-3)18 points from KC McConell, 16 coming in the second half, and a game high 24 points from Kayla Johnson. Guard Lexie Zappone scored 8 points and pulled down 10 important rebounds for the Pirates. Whitworth shot 42% for the game and dropped in 78% of their free throws (21-27).
“It was an exciting game and our ladies really battled against a good, well-coached Whitworth team today,” said Ken Crawford, NU head coach. “I’m proud of our team as they never quit and we keep taking steps in a positive direction.”
The Eagles will travel to College Place next Friday to take on Walla Walla University in another non-conference game before resuming conference play against Evergreen on Saturday, Jan. 4 at home.