ASHLAND, Ore. – Southern Oregon came up with a big steal after taking a late lead and defeated Northwest 60-58 Friday night.
 
It was NU's fourth loss by four or fewer points in the last five games.
 
"We've got to develop the ability to make big plays during big games," said NU Head Coach Ken Crawford. "We're losing too many close ones. Tomorrow will be another opportunity to grow!"
 
Northwest got off to a hot start, getting an 11-2 lead over the first seven minutes of the game. Sam VanLoo had six points, and Livi Lindsey had the other five. Meanwhile, the NU defense was holding SOU to 10 percent shooting and forcing four turnovers. 
 
The Eagles went dry for the last four minutes of the quarter, and SOU trimmed the NU lead to 11-8 by the end of the opening frame. Northwest had a 24-18 lead at the half.
 
Northwest expanded the lead to 36-27 with 4:22 remaining in the third quarter, but SOU finished off that period with a 14-4 run to take a 41-40 lead into the fourth quarter.
 
The Raiders led by as many as six points in the fourth quarter before Lindsey got a steal and a layup to tie the game with 3:56 to play, 53-53. Lindsey scored again with 2:53 to go for a 55-53 Eagles lead.
 
Dominique Hardin gave the Raiders a 57-56 lead with 1:12 remaining, but VanLoo had the answer 24 seconds later for the 58-57 NU lead.
 
SOU's Kami Walk scored the final field goal of the game with 29 seconds left, and the Raiders repelled the Eagles, forcing a missed shot and a turnover on the two NU possessions.
 
Lindsey led the Eagles with 18 points and seven steals. VanLoo added 12 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocked shots. Andie Kristinat had four assists.
 
NU dipped to 12-9 overall and 6-8 in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. The Eagles play at Oregon Tech Saturday at 3 p.m.