LACEY, Wash. – Saint Martin’s University rode a stifling defense to a dominating 81-36 victory over the Northwest Christian University women’s basketball team on Friday night.
Ending the first quarter with a 20-14 advantage, SMU out-scored the Beacons 15-0 over the next ten minutes to take a 21-point lead into the second half. A 22-8 third-quarter put the game on ice.
NCU shot 25.5% in the contest and were just 5-for-26 from three-point range. Saint Martin’s shot 50% and out-rebounded the Beacons, 46-26 while forcing 19 turnovers.
The Beacons (5-6) were led by Morgan McKinney, scoring eight points. Brittany Ralson hit a pair of three-pointers to score six points while Conner Borigo led the team with six rebounds.
Head Coach Chad Meadors said, “This was a rough one. I saw us take some strides defensively, but when you don’t put the ball in the basket, pretty soon the dam is going to break. Despite the setbacks, I still see improvements and I know we are getting better even though the numbers aren’t showing it right now. We need to stand tall and fight and battle through this and be prepared for when we see conference opponents.”
Saint Martin’s (3-5) had four players in double-figures with Makenzie Kaech leading the way off the bench with 13. Saniah Simpson, Makenna Schultz, and Claire Dingus each scored 12.
NCU will be back in action on Monday, traveling up to Monmouth to take on another Division II foe in Western Oregon University. The tip-off for that clash is scheduled for 6:00 pm.