Eagles Pull Away From PLU for Victory
PARKLAND, Wash. - Northwest University had four players score in double figures tonight as they pulled away from Pacific Lutheran University, 81-58, for a non-conference win in Olson Auditorium. Jessalyn Jackson led all scorers with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
NU took early lead in the first half as Ebany Herd's driving layup would give NU a 15-8 at the 14:45 mark. The Lutes would then go on a 6-0 run capped off by Katelyn Smith's two free throws to make it 15-14 with 13:04 left on the clock. Leading 37-31 with a minute left until the half, NU would score six straight points on baskets by Domi Mendezona, Carol Howard and Emily Drivstuen to take a 43-31 lead into the locker room.
The Eagles would start the second half where they left off in the first as they would score the first 7 points of the period to increase their lead to 19 points after two Carol Howard free throws. PLU would close to 13 points 50-37 with 13:07 on the clock, but that would be the closest the Lutes would come as the Eagles would slowly increase their lead as Ashley Coila's jumper would make it 63-40 with 8:29 to go in the game. NU would lead by 27 points late in the game as they would cruise to their third win of the season.
In addition to Jackson's double-double, Northwest (3-4) got 17 points from Carol Howard, 14 points from Emily Drivstuen and 10 from Ebany Herd. Domi Mendezona handed out a game high 6 assists. NU shot 80% from the free throw line (20-25) and out rebounded the Lutes 51-43.
Pacific Lutheran (2-1) was led by Samantha Potter's 17 points and 15 rebounds. Mackenzie Bieker added 12 points and Shelly Kilcup contributed 11 points for the Lutes who shot 33% on the night (24-72).
The Eagles will return home to host Evergreen in their conference opener on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the NU Pavilion.