PORTLAND, Ore. - Northwest came out firing, using a dominant first quarter to set the tone. The Eagles forced 10 turnovers in the opening period and converted several of them into transition points, building a 20–7 lead after 10 minutes. Northwest was able to use their strong start to propel them to their first win of the season over the River Otters, 77-72.
The pace shifted in the second quarter as the hosts surged back. Lewis & Clark outscored Northwest 26–13, tying the game multiple times. Despite the push, the Eagles stayed composed and converted two late free throws to send the game into halftime tied 33–33.
Northwest regained its rhythm in the third, putting up 24 points to edge back in front. Though Lewis & Clark kept the margin close and tied the score twice, the Eagles' timely baskets allowed them to carry a 57–51 lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter featured several lead changes as Lewis & Clark briefly surged ahead 67–64 with five minutes remaining. Northwest responded in the clutch. Kaleah Madeiros knocked down a pull-up jumper to swing the lead back to the Eagles at 71–69. Moments later, Adriana Milanez buried a key three-pointer with one minute remaining to extend the advantage to 74–71.
Northwest closed out the game at the free-throw line, making three of six attempts in the final minute to seal the season-opening victory. Coach Edens had this to say after the game "A really solid bounce back for our young ladies on the second game of a back-to-back. We got off to a fast start but ran into foul trouble a little bit in the second quarter. In the third quarter we ran into some rushed possessions a back and forth with Lewis and Clark. In the end we rose up late in the fourth quarter and persevered for our first win of the season."
Kaleah Medeiros led the Eagles with 22 points on the day with Ellie Bost right behind her with 20 points. Ella Whitaker got a double-double tonight with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Eagles will head to California next weekend before hosting their first game of the season on Tuesday, November 25th.
