EUGENE, Ore. – The No. 16 Northwest Christian University women’s basketball team will advance to the CCC championship game for the first time in school history after beating Corban 76-51 on Friday night.
The Beacon defense had a stellar night, holding Corban to the lowest point total against a conference school this season. NCU forced 22 Warrior turnovers and turned 13 steals into 18 points.
The Beacons owned a season-low seven turnovers of their own and held the Warriors to 33% shooting including a 5-for-17 effort from three-point range.
Head Coach Chad Meadors said, “Finally our defense matched our offense and we had a complete performance after a slow start out the gate. Kaylen Kamelamela was an absolute difference maker tonight and it was fun to see her do that in front of her parents who are in town visiting.”
Through ten minutes of play Corban held a 16-15 advantage as the Beacons struggled from the field shooting just 25% and 3-for-14 from three. Led by Kamelamela, NCU responded by outscoring the Warriors 21-14 in the second quarter. The freshman was crucial for the Beacons in the first half scoring 16 points on 4-for-5 shooting from three.
The Beacons led 36-30 at the break and were able to pull away in the second half behind a 23-9 third quarter. In the final two periods the Beacons held the Warriors to just eight made field goals.
The Beacons (25-5) were led by Kamelamela, scoring a career-high 25 points on 10-for-13 shooting and 5-for-8 from three to go along with her team-high four assists. Morgan McKinney scored 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists while Kayce Mock added five points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Senior Hannah Eddens racked up nine points and four rebounds to lead the second unit.
On the night, NCU shot 38% from the field with 11 made threes to go with their 17 assists. The Beacon bench outscored Corban 22-12 in the victory.
Senior All-American Jordan Woodvine led the Warriors (18-12) with 16 points on 6-for-16 shooting in her final collegiate game. Rayna Pilgeram tallied six points and a game-high nine rebounds while Bri Turner added nine points and seven rebounds. The Warriors outrebounded NCU 50-39 in the loss.
Northwest Christian will return to action for the final round of the CCC tournament on Monday, as they host #3 seed Southern Oregon at 7:00pm in the Morse Event Center.