SALEM, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University women's basketball team trailed 30-28 at halftime but rallied in the third quarter and pulled away with a 62-55 victory over Willamette University on Monday night.
 
NCU (3-4) shot 46% in the game including a 5-of-12 night beyond the arch. The Beacons were led by Hannah Eddens (pictured), scoring 14 points and nine rebounds. Morgan McKinney added 12 points and earned five boards. Kaylynn Bush of scored ten points to join Eddens and McKinney in double figures, Dani Baker scored eight while Conner Borigo tallied seven points, seven rebounds and five assists.
 
The Beacons led by as many as ten points after putting the game away in the third quarter.
 
Head Coach Chad Meadors said, "Hannah really stepped up today. I was impressed with what she was able to do. She was effective in the post and made plays on both ends of the floor. Defensively we made some strides and while we have a long way to go, but holding them to 33% shooting was a great improvement. It is a lot easier to push the ball and get set up on the offensive end when you are getting stops."
 
The Bearcats (0-2) shot 19-for-57 in the game and hit just 26% from three-point range including a 1-for-6 third quarter as the NCU defense clamped down during their comeback. Britanny Kochenderfer led the way for Willamette, scoring a double-double with 19 points and ten rebounds.
 
NCU will hit the road this weekend, traveling to face Boise State University in an Exhibition on Friday night. The game will tip-off at 7:00 pm MST.