EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University women’s basketball team lost their fourth in a row on Tuesday night, falling to Willamette University, 51-48. Senior Hanna Mack provided a silver lining, collecting six blocked shots to set a new NCU single-game record.
The Beacons (1-4) shot just 25% in the first half as Willamette built a 24-20 lead at the intermission. Then the third quarter belonged to NCU as the home team started the second half on a 16-2 run. The Beacons led by as many as ten before taking a 36-31 lead at the end of the period.
Willamette, who had be averaging over 30 three-point attempts per game coming into tonight’s contest, had been relatively quiet from beyond the arc through the first 30 minutes, shooting just 2-for-10. However, the Bearcats got their stroke working in the fourth quarter, hitting 5-for-10 as they fought back to tie the game and eventually take the lead for good.
NCU was led by Mack’s double-double, scoring game highs with 14 points and 12 rebounds to go with her six blocks. Jeni Hoffert went 3-for-6 from downtown and was the only other Beacon in double figures, scoring ten. Niki Duncan and Monique Thompson each scored nine with Duncan adding three assists and three steals, both team highs. NCU out-rebounded WU, 41-40 but couldn’t find enough offensive rhythm, shooting just 31% from the floor.
The Bearcats (3-0) were led by Ashley Evans, scoring 13 points. She had three three-pointers, all coming in the fourth quarter. Towry had a pair of triples in the last ten minutes and finished with 11 points and a team-high six rebounds.
NCU has endured their toughest stretch of the season in which their last four opponents are a combined 24-1 on the season, and they return to action on the road next Tuesday, traveling to face Linfield College (1-2) at 6 p.m.