KIRKLAND, Wash. - Northwest opened its home opener with a fast start, jumping out to an eight-point lead in the first quarter. Whitworth, however, battled back and closed the gap, ultimately taking a one-point lead by the end of the opening period.

The second quarter featured steady defensive play from the Eagles, with both teams trading baskets throughout the quarter. Despite their efforts, Northwest went into halftime trailing by eight after Whitworth put together a late run.

Northwest opened the third quarter with several key shots to stay within striking distance. Their defense continued to hold strong, but the Eagles struggled to consistently convert on offense, preventing them from closing the gap.

Whitworth came out hot in the fourth quarter, quickly stretching the lead to double digits. Northwest was unable to cut the deficit below 10 and ultimately fell, 72–60.

Sophomore guard Kaleah Medeiros led Northwest with 18 points, while Ellie Bost added 12, and Ella Whitaker contributed 11.

Head Coach Randy Edens remarked, "Tough one tonight. We felt like we let it get away from us.  We got off to a fabulous start for our first home game and felt like we were ready to play, and it showed. Defensively, though, late in the first and early second quarter, we allowed them to get comfortable, and we missed out on some easy opportunities. In fact, the more we reflected in the locker room, those easy lay-ins, we felt like, were ultimately the difference. It was a fun atmosphere tonight, and the ability to play at home is exciting for what is ahead for us in December."

The Eagles now turn their attention to their first conference road trip of the season, with match ups against Southern Oregon University on December 5 and Oregon Tech University on December 6.