Box Score

EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University women's basketball team put together one of their stronger efforts of the season on Friday night, but fell to Oregon Tech, 61-54. At one point the Beacons went on a 19-0 run, but the Owls slowly took control for the win.

Oregon Tech needed just four minutes to jump out to a 14-2 lead, highlighted by a pair of early three-pointers from senior Guard Lisa Busch. But the Beacons never backed down and over the next eight minutes, scored 19 unanswered points as they took a 21-14 lead. The Owls fought back themselves and took a 30-27 lead into the intermission.

Lori Renner (pictured, above) hit two early jumpers in the second half and the Beacons were quickly tied with OIT, 32-32. The Beacons would again tie the score, 41-41 with 9:56 to play on a Jackie Cunningham (pictured, below) layup and NCU was still within one point with just under four minutes to go. Oregon Tech, however, was able to pull away late, shooting 40% in the second half to grab the seven-point victory.

The Beacons (8-13, 2-10 CCC) were led 14 points apiece from Renner and Jenneca Crocker. Crocker hit four three-pointers in the game for NCU. Aly Bruns added nine points and four rebounds and Randi Keyser came off the bench to score nine points, adding four rebounds. Cunningham finished the game with just two points, but she led the Beacons with seven rebounds and was the start of the NCU defensive effort, getting four blocked shots.

Oregon Tech (13-11, 6-6) was led by Brittany Cherry, scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds, along with three assists and three steals. Aundrea Albright also had a double-double, scoring 12 points with ten rebounds and three blocks. Morgan Hofman came off the bench to score 12 points in the win.

Northwest Christian will be back in action on Saturday when they play host to Southern Oregon University at 5:30 pm.