EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University women's basketball won their second straight on Saturday night, taking a nail-biting 52-51 win over Linfield College.

NCU had a rough first-half, shooting just 32% while allowing a 50% clip to the visiting Wildcats. Linfield led by as many as 13 in the first half, and took a seven-point lead into the intermission, 31-24.

The Beacons quickly turned things around coming out of the break, at one point using a 16-3 lead to take a 44-38 at lead with 9:27 to play, after a pair of free-throws by Kelsey Atkins. Over the next five minutes, however, the Beacons were held without a field goal and Linfield climbed back to tie the game, 46-46 with 5:11 remaining. The teams traded baskets and remained tied, 50-50 until a 1-for-2 effort at the charity stripe for Sarah Amina gave Linfield a one-point lead.

Northwest Christian responded on their next possession as Lori Renner was fouled and hit both of her free-throws, giving NCU the lead for good, 52-50 with 1:23 to play. Over the final minute the Wildcats had multiple chances to grab a lead, but couldn't capitalize on a pair of NCU turnovers and two missed free-throws with six seconds to play, letting NCU survive.

The Beacons (7-3) are now just one win away from matching their 2008-2009 season win total with tonight's victory. Renner and Katie Collins had 12 points apiece for the Beacons and were the only two to score more than five in the game. Aly Bruns added four assists and Jacki Cunningham came off the bench to secure two big blocks in the second half.

Linfield (2-4) was led by a game-high 17 from Lindsey Gummersall. Nadra Evans added a double-double with 11 points and ten rebounds.

Northwest Christian will be off for the next 16 days, returning to CCC action on December 21st with a home clash against Northwest University, at 5:30 pm.