KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Northwest University women's basketball team dropped an 85–68 decision to Southern Oregon University on Saturday afternoon at Kristi Brodin Pavilion. A strong third-quarter response was not enough to erase an early deficit.

Southern Oregon set the tone early, opening the contest on a 14–0 run and holding the Eagles scoreless for the first four and a half minutes. Adriana Milanez knocked down a three-pointer shortly after to get Northwest on the board. The Raiders carried that momentum to a 27–10 lead after one quarter and took a 45–29 advantage into halftime.

Northwest found its offensive rhythm coming out of the break, outscoring Southern Oregon 28–17 in the third quarter. Ellie Bost ignited the surge with consecutive three-pointers midway through the period, trimming the deficit to 52–42. Despite the push, Southern Oregon regained control in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Eagles 23–11 to secure the win.

Ella Whitaker led the Eagles with 13 points and added five rebounds. Bost and Jersey McGehee each finished with 11 points, with McGehee also dishing out four assists. Ellie DeWaard paced Northwest on the glass with a team-high seven rebounds.

Northwest shot 50.9 percent from the field and connected on 50.0 percent from three-point range. Southern Oregon finished at 51.7 percent shooting and held a 32–26 edge in points in the paint. 

Northwest will look to regroup as conference play continues, returning to action next week with a pair of Cascade Conference contests at home.