NCU Pulls Away to Down Eagles
KIRKLAND, Wash. - Leading by three points at halftime, Northwest Christian used a 55 point second half to defeat Northwest University, 92-80, in Cascade Conference play tonight.
Northwest Christian took a 37-34 lead at halftime after the two teams battled back and for 20 minutes through 3 ties and 10 lead changes. Spencer Mattox and Austin Tyner led NCU with 9 points each while Christian Hakilimali led NU with 11.
With the game in its sixth tie at 63-63, with 10:04 remaining in the game, the Beacons would go on a 13-3 run to take a 76-65 lead at the 5:48 mark after a 3-pointer by Austin Tyner. Tyner took over in the second half with 20 of his 29 points to help lead NCU to the victory. Michael Loomis heated up to shoot 6 for 7 and 16 points in the period and Devonte Cleveland would score 10 of his 12 points in the second half as well. Northwest U would cut NCU’s lead to 76-67 with 5:27 left in the game, but would not be able to close the gap as the Beacons would post the CCC win.
Christian Hakilimali led Northwest U (9-13-, 3-9 CCC) with 20 points. Tre Benton scored 18 while Tanner Davis dropped in 16 points for the Eagles who shot 48% for the game.
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Northwest Christian (9-10, 5-7 CCC) was led by Tyner's 29 points on 10 for 16 shooting. Michael Loomis finished with a double-double, 18 points and 12 rebounds as the Beacons shot 68% in the second half and 52% for the game.
“The effort was there, but it was just another tough loss for us,” said Jeff Drinkwine, NU head coach. “We have 24 hours to regroup and come back and try to get another one tomorrow.”