EUGENE, Ore. – The Bushnell University women's basketball team pulled away in the second quarter and never looked back, rolling to a 68-47 victory on Sunday over Northwest University.
 
Including their COVID-related forfeit win over Evergreen on Friday, this was Bushnell's fourth straight win and fifth consecutive Cascade Collegiate Conference victory.
 
The Beacons (10-7, 6-2 CCC) posted their best defensive effort of the season, holding the Eagles to under 30% shooting including a 2-for-12 performance from three-point range. Bushnell out-rebounded Northwest 49-31 and pulled down 12 offensive rebounds that resulted in 13 second-chance points. The  Beacons also hauled in a season-high nine blocks, including three from Libby Mathis.
 
"Our defense really gave us a great win," said Meadors. "Our press normally turns people over on the front end. Today we forced some tough shots and we rebounded the ball well. I thought overall we were disruptive and it was a feel-good win."  
 
Northwest started off strong, forcing seven Bushnell turnovers over the first ten minutes, taking a 19-17 lead into the second quarter. Andie Kristinat added a three-pointer early in the second, but the Beacons took over, scoring the next 15 points. But the time halftime rolled around, the home team held a 40-28 lead.
 
The second half proved to be more of the same as the Beacons defense clamped down, allowing just seven field goals and a 2-for-18 effort in the fourth quarter.
 
The Beacons shot 48% in the game, hitting six three-pointers. Kalina Rojas led the way with a double-double, scoring 17 points and ten rebounds. Aspen Slifka scored 11 and Aly Mirable added ten points and a game-high eight assists.
 
Northwest (11-5, 5-3 CCC) was led by Livi Lindsey, shooting 6-for-8 from the field to score 16. She was the only Eagle in double-figured. Sam VanLoo scored eight, and tied for the team-lead with three rebounds.
 
Bushnell will be back in action on Tuesday night, playing host to Corban University at 7:00 pm. That is a time change from the original start time of 5:30 pm.