EUGENE, Ore. – Head Coach Heath Alexander got all he wanted for his birthday on Saturday evening, earning his 60th career coaching win with an 87-74 Cascade Conference victory over Northwest University.  Anamaria Virjoghe and Niki Duncan (pictured) both topped 20 points in the final game of 2017.
 
NCU (11-1, 4-1 CCC) hit 13 three-pointers on the night, shooting 44.8 percent from beyond-the-arc and 46.2 percent from the field en-route to their fourth consecutive conference victory. The Beacons finished with a 40-32 rebound advantage and benefitted from 21 points off the bench, compared to just seven from the visiting Eagles (5-9, 2-4).
 
Coach Alexander said, "That was a great birthday present. We had a couple of kids really step up today on the offensive end. Kat B made plays and Ana, Niki and Jenna made shots. The entire team gave great effort tonight."
 
Northwest hung around with the top-ranked Beacons for the entirety of the first period thanks to their 9-16 shooting effort, going into the second just a two-point deficit despite being out-rebounded 13-3. NCU pulled away in the second period, outscoring the visitors 20-8 while holding them to just two field goals and a trio of free-throws.
 
The Eagles found their rhythm in the third period, shooting 50.0 percent from the field while crashing the boards to the tune of a 13-4 advantage. They were unable to close the gap, however, as the Beacons forced seven turnovers, which they cashed in for 11 points. The fourth quarter saw the highest offensive output for both teams, with Northwest Christian closing the game a 13-point victor.
 
Virjoghe had a huge game for the Beacons, finishing the night with 27 points, five boards, a block and a steal. Duncan hit six of her ten three-point attempts, good for 20 points while also grabbing five rebounds. Jenna Christenson surpassed ten points for second night in row, scoring fifteen on 5-7 long-range shots in her 25 minutes off the bench. Forward Katerina Brejchova notched the games only double-double with ten points and ten boards, in addition to dishing out a game-high six assists. Kaylynn Bush also turned in a well-rounded effort with eight points, four boards and two steals.
 
All five Northwest starters scored in double figures, with Mariah Stacona putting-up a team-high 19. Hannah Carlson had 14, Andie Kristinat finished with 12 on 4 three-pointers, while Miranda Langenhorst and Kalee Fowler each chipped-in 11.
 
Both teams are back in action soon after the new year. NCU will travel to Portland to take on Multnomah University on Friday, January 5 at 5:30 p.m., while Northwest has a non-conference road game at Linfield College on Tuesday, January 2 at 5:00 p.m.