OLYMPIA – Northwest dug out from under a large early deficit only to have Evergreen State get a big three-pointer late to give the Geoducks a 79-77 win on Tuesday.
 
The Eagles trailed 24-12 after the first quarter and were still down by eight at halftime. NU trailed by as many as 14 points in the third quarter but managed to get within five going into the final frame.
 
Andie Kristinat tied the game at the 6:06 mark of the fourth quarter, and Livi Lindsey delivered the first NU lead with 3:51 to go.
 
Sam VanLoo knocked down two free throws with 1:15 left for a 75-73 NU lead, but Trinity Betoney hit a big three-pointer for a 76-75 lead with 59 seconds to go.
 
ESC got a turnover and a basket with 12 seconds left for a 78-75 lead.
 
"A disappointing loss tonight," said NU Head Coach Ken Crawford. "Some crucial mistakes at the wrong time can make all the difference in the world. And we made those mistakes. Credit to Evergreen who made big plays when they counted, especially at the end. Proud of our effort, I am confident that we will bounce back and be ready to go on Friday!"
 
VanLoo led the Eagles with 32 points and nine rebounds, followed by Lindsey with 12 points and Grace Meza with 11. Maya DuChesne had six assists.
 
Now 13-10 overall and 7-9 in the Cascade Collegiate Conference, NU returns home this weekend to play Multnomah at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Warner Pacific at 3 p.m. on Saturday.