KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University women's basketball battled back with a strong third-quarter surge but ultimately fell, 81-69, to Oregon Tech on Friday evening inside Kristi Brodin Pavilion.

After trailing 39-24 at halftime, the Eagles came out energized in the third quarter, outscoring Oregon Tech, 29-25, behind a balanced offensive attack. Oregon Tech maintained its lead behind efficient team shooting, finishing the game at 50.8 percent from the field and converting 17 points off 18 Northwest turnovers. 

Ella Whitaker finished with 15 points, six rebounds, and two assists for the Eagles. Kaleah Medeiros tallied 20 points, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, while Taimane Faleafine-Auwae provided 14 points and hit all four of her free throws. Ellie Bost added 14 points and connected on four three-pointers. As a team,
Northwest shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 39.1 percent from long range, and 80 percent from the free-throw line.

Tatum Schmerbach paced Oregon Tech with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists to record a triple-double. Ayla Marston added 15 points, and Jozie Ramos chipped in 13.

With the loss, Northwest moved to 6-13 overall and 2-9 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play. The Eagles return to action Saturday night to face Southern Oregon at home.