The Northwest Eagles earned an impressive home victory over Pacific Lutheran University, defeating the Lutes 95–71 on Friday night.
Pacific Lutheran held a slight edge in the opening minutes, but Northwest quickly found its rhythm as shots began to fall. The Eagles took control for most of the first quarter, finishing ahead 30–21. Ella Bost led the way early with eight points.
Northwest continued its strong play in the second quarter, coming out hot and knocking down several big shots. The Eagles carried a 53–38 lead into halftime, with Monte leading the quarter by scoring six points. Northwest shot an outstanding 67% from three-point range and 64% from the field in the first half, compared to Pacific Lutheran's 12% shooting from beyond the arc and 37% overall.
Pacific Lutheran opened the third quarter with quick baskets and built some momentum, but Northwest responded with timely scoring and strong defense. Despite the Lutes' push, the Eagles maintained control and held a 17-point lead at the end of the third quarter.
Pacific Lutheran made a run early in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to eight, but Northwest quickly answered. Jersey McGee hit a pair of clutch three-pointers, and the Eagles' defense and rebounding sealed the win down the stretch. Northwest closed out the game with a 95–71 victory.
The Eagles finished the night shooting 57% from the field and 50% from three-point range.
Jersey McGee led all scorers with 21 points while adding five rebounds and four assists. Ella Whitaker contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Ella Deward also scored 13 points. Ella Bost finished with 10 points and four assists.
Head coach Eden praised the team's performance following the game:
"That was a fun game for our crew. We were finally able to see what we are capable of, and at the same time we tied a school record for three-point shots made in a game with 16, which we set last year at Warner Pac.
Twenty-seven assists is probably my favorite number of the night. It's fun to be able to look ahead to next week after a win like that."
The Eagles return to action on Friday, December 19, when they host Eastern Oregon University.
