Box Score Box Score

ROCKLIN, Calif.  – The Northwest Christian University women's basketball team dropped their opening game in the Bill Holtz Warrior Classic on Friday afternoon, falling to Fresno Pacific, 79-71. A deep bench for the Sunbirds helped them outpace NCU in the second half as they had six players in double-figures for scoring.

The Beacons held an early 4-2 lead but FPU went on to establish a nine point lead, 17-8 at the midway point of the first half. Trailing 26-17 with 7:33 to play, something sparked for NCU as the Beacons went on a 16-0 tear, claiming their own 33-26 advantage in just a 4 ½ minute span. All-told, the Sunbirds were held scoreless for a six minute span. They finally scored again with 1:45 remaining and hit three buckets in their final three possessions to claw back within one point at the intermission, 33-32.

Fresno Pacific got the first basket of the second half to take the lead for good as they stretched their advantage throughout the final 20 minutes. The Sunbirds led by as many as 12 points, 71-59 with just 2:37 to play, but the Beacons made one more burst to climb within four points, 73-69 with 33 seconds to play. NCU, however, was forced to foul down the stretch and FPU made six straight free throws to seal the win.

Head Coach Liz Turner-Bolton said, “We definitely had some uncharacteristic turnovers today and we just weren't on the same page in the second half. It was good to see the girls fight back a few times. Fresno Pacific is a tough opponent, but they were definitely beatable today.”

The Beacons (2-2) were once again led by junior Point Guard Aly Bruns, scoring 18 points. Bruns was 4-for-8 from the field, hitting a pair of three-pointers. She also went 8-for-12 at the charity stripe. Lindsey Shearer had a strong day as well, scoring ten points to go with 14 rebounds, five assists and five steals. Jess Anderson scored 13 points and Katie Collins came off the bench to add eleven points, going 4-for-6 from the field. The Beacons shot 39% for the game and out-rebounded FPU, 41-37.

Fresno Pacific (2-0) had six in double figures, led by a double-double from Keri Stephanoff with 16 points and ten rebounds. Keairra White and Jenay Herring scored 13 each. Stephanie Larson and Sienna Gonzales added 12 apiece and Brandi Blackwell added ten. In all, the Sunbird bench outscored the NCU reserves, 38-18. FPU shot 46% from the field on the night.

NCU is now 1-4 all-time against the Sunbirds.

The Beacons will close out the Bill Holtz Warrior Classic on Saturday evening, facing host William Jessup at 5:00 pm.