COLLEGE PLACE, Wash. – Walla Walla erupted for 24 fourth-quarter points and held on for a 63-59 win over Northwest Friday.
 
The Eagles shot 29 percent from the field for the game to offset a 54-35 NU rebounding margin.
 
"That was a disappointing game this afternoon," said NU Head Coach Ken Crawford. "We did not make good decisions on the offensive or defensive end, so the game stayed close all the way. Walla Walla made the plays toward the end of the game, and we ran out of time. We take them on again tomorrow night with expectations of a different outcome."
 
After leading by nine points at three different times in the first quarter, NU saw the lead dry up in the second quarter. The Eagles got a basket by Grace Meza with 2:02 left in the half, and neither team scored again until the third period. Northwest led 31-27 at the half.
 
The Eagles built a 35-27 lead before the Wolves ended their eight-minute scoring drought. The third quarter ended with NU clinging to a 44-39 lead.
 
Walla Walla used an 11-2 run to take the lead, 53-49, with 3:18 left in the game.
 
Maya DuChesne tied the game at 56-56 with 1:39 left, but WWU hit two free throws with 1:17 remaining. NU missed two shots on its next possession and fell behind 60-56.
 
Athena Taylor canned a three-pointer to make it a one-point game with 23 seconds left, but Walla Walla kept hitting its free throws and held on for the win.
 
Sam Van Loo and DuChesne led the Eagles with 10 points each, with Van Loo reeling in 15 rebounds. Lexi Biggerstaff had six points and six assists.
 
The Eagles and Wolves close the regular season against each other at Walla Walla Saturday at 7:30 p.m.