KIRKLAND, Wash. – Northwest University closed the game at the free throw line and earned a 74-71 conference victory over Walla Walla on Friday afternoon inside Kristi Brodin Pavilion.

The Eagles (9-16, 6-11) led 32-28 at halftime and held off a late Walla Walla push in a game that featured nine lead changes and four ties.

With Northwest trailing 70-69 in the final minute, Trent Williams converted a pair of free throws to give the Eagles a 72-70 advantage. After Walla Walla split a trip at the line to make it 72-71, Logan Stempniak sealed the game with two free throws with 17 seconds remaining for the 74-71 margin. Walla Walla's final three-point attempt at the buzzer was off the mark.

Stempniak led three Eagles in double figures with 23 points, including five-of-nine from beyond the arc. He also added eight rebounds. 

Williams finished with 20 points and six rebounds, going six-for-eight at the free throw line. Andrew Iyamah contributed nine points and four rebounds.

Northwest shot 40.9 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three while converting 11-of-19 free throws. The Eagles held a 32-20 advantage in points in the paint and received 18 points from the bench.

Walla Walla (1-22, 1-16) was led by Jordan Jackson's 24 points and Soren Dalan's 17 points and eight rebounds.

Northwest returns to action tomorrow at home as conference play continues.