EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University women’s basketball team mounted a late comeback but couldn’t overcome a ten-point halftime deficit on Friday night, falling to The Evergreen State College, 63-56 at the Morse Event Center in Cascade Collegiate Conference action.
The Beacons trailed 34-24 after a rough first half that saw NCU turn the ball over ten times. The Geoducks spread their lead to as many as fourteen points and held a 45-31 advantage with just over 13 minutes to play. Aly Bruns hit a three-pointer for NCU on their next possession and pretty soon the Beacons were off on an 11-2 run as they climbed within five points with 8:30 to go.
NCU would close the gap to three points in the final two minutes but were never able to get closer as the Geoducks went 5-for-5 from the free-throw line in the final minute to ice the victory.
Head Coach Liz Turner-Bolton said, “I thought we lacked a certain mental acuity tonight. We played sloppy and our offensive lapses hurt us.”
Evergreen (5-9, 4-6 CCC) was led by Danielle Swain, scoring 15 points to go with nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals. Sammi Clark added a double-double with 13 points and a game-high ten rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. Jessica Denmon scored eleven points, shooting 6-for-8 at the free-throw line. Evergreen shot 35.8% in the game and out-rebounded NCU, 39-33.
The Beacons (11-10, 4-6) were led by Katie Collins, shooting 8-for-10 on the night to score a game-high 19 points. The senior hit a trio of three-pointers. “Katie had a great shooting night. She has really carried us in a few games this season.”
Lindsey Shearer added 13 points and led the Beacons with five rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Kelsey Atkins chipped in seven points, six boards and three assists.
Evergreen will return to action on Saturday night when they travel to Salem to take on Corban University, a winner over Northwest University on Friday. NCU will play host to Northwest on Saturday evening. Both games are scheduled for 5:30 pm tip-offs.