George Fox 64, Pacific Lutheran 40: Bruins Pluck Lutes in Conference Lidlifter

Although they never trailed, the Bruins were tied by the Lutes three times in the first two minutes.

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NEWBERG, Ore. - Opening up a double-digit lead nine minutes into the game and remaining comfortably ahead the rest of the way, the 18th-ranked George Fox University Bruins knocked off the Pacific Lutheran University Lutes 64-40 in the Northwest Conference women’s basketball opener for both teams Friday evening here at the Wheeler Sports Center’s Miller Gym.

Although they never trailed, the Bruins were tied by the Lutes three times in the first two minutes before Katy Campbell nailed a three-pointer at the 17:31 mark, giving the pre-season conference favorites a 9-6 lead which they never relinquished. Another three, this one by Jaime Hubka, made it 17-6 Bruins with 11:53 left in the period. The Lutes twice got back within eight, but a pair of free throws by Elise Kuenzi to make it 23-13 with 8:07 left put the Bruins permanently in front by twin figures. It was 29-17 at the break.

The Bruins opened the second half with a 19-5 run, capped by a Kaleigha Ramey jumper, to take a 26-point lead of 48-22, a margin they equaled twice more, with 12:20 left. The Lutes got no closer than 19 points thereafter, that coming on a Melissa Richardson free throw with 7:33 left that cut the Bruins’ lead to 52-33.

Ramey was the only Bruin to reach double figures in points with 12, but Hubka and Tiffany Behary had nine each as 10 different players scored for the home team. The Bruins shot .469 (23-49) for the game, including .522 (12-23) in the second half. Campbell grabbed 11 rebounds in leading the Bruins to a 43-29 advantage on the boards. B.B. Gardner passed out five assists. The Bruins also blocked six shots.

Kyle Haag scored 14 points for the Lutes, who were held to a .254 (15-59) shooting percentage. Meghan Dowling had six rebounds, while Amy Spieker and Trinity Gibbons had two assists apiece.

George Fox (9-1, NWC 1-0) hosts the 23rd-ranked University of Puget Sound in a battle of ’07 conference co-champions Saturday at 6:00 PM. Pacific Lutheran (7-3, NWC 0-1) visits Lewis & Clark College Saturday, also at 6:00 PM Both games will be followed by men’s NWC contests at 8:00 PM.

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