Eagles Pull Away from Pirates for Victory

Cascade Collegiate Conference WBB - Northwest U. 78, Whitworth 61

www.northwestu.edu/athletics

(SPOKANE, Wash) - Led by the 23 points of Kia Gibson, the NU Eagles broke open a close game midway through the second half for a 78-61 victory over Whitworth in the Quality Inn Oakwood Whitworth Tournament this afternoon.

In a close first half, the Eagles over came an early 11-2 Whitworth lead to go on a 9-0 run to take the lead, 13-11, on Brittney Marshalls' 3-pointer at the 12:15 mark. NU would maintain their lead the remainder of the half to take a slim, 30-28 lead into the locker room at the break.

The second half would continue to be a tightly contested game as the Eagles would hold onto a 2 to 4 point lead until the 12:21 mark and leading 43-41. The Eagles would then go on a 21-6 run to take a commanding 64-47 lead capped off by Jessalyn Jackson's offensive rebound and put back with 6:07 to go in the game. The Eagles would not be threatened the rest of the way as they would sink 8 out of 8 free throw attempts in the final 1:24 of the game to earn their 4th win of the young season.

In addition to Gibson's 23 points, senior Brittney Marshall scored 14 points while Jessalyn Jackson scored a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Domi Mendezona dropped in 9 points and McKenzie McKean dished out 5 assists for the game. NU (4-3) shot an impressive 49% for the night and converted 91% of their free throws, making 20 of 22 from the charity stripe.

Gibson and Jackson were named to the all-tournament team following the contest.

The Eagles will return to Kirkland and will host Whitman College on Friday, Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. in the NU Pavilion.

Whitworth (1-1) was led by Jamie Lyons and Taylor LaMoreaux who scored 12 points a piece while Emily Guthrie and Lauren Picha each scored 11 for the Pirates. Whitworth shot 33% on the night and made 85% of their free throws (11-13).

Source: Northwest University