The game's end result came down to the final minute, as the Eagles led 51-48 until an Ariel Liesch (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) free throw increased the advantage to four with 16 seconds to play. BLC was unable to convert their final attempt, and NWC made enough free throws to move to 11-12 (9-3 UMAC) on the season following the 54-48 victory.

 

Northwestern struggled with their shooting at 38.6 percent, but not as much as Bethany had issues with their shots, as the Vikings countered with a 15-for-59 (25.4 percent) performance. Maybe a more impressive statistic was that the Eagles out-rebounded the taller Vikings 47-43. Northwestern also held the advantage in scoring under the hoop, generating 22 points in the paint, compared to Bethany's 16.

 

Neither team built more than a six point lead throughout the entire game. In all, fans in attendance saw 10 lead changes and 11 ties.

 

Eagles head coach Linda Schuck received great statistical performances out of her players, led by Kaelee Kendrick (Eagan, Minn./Bethany Academy) (Eagan, Minn./Bethany Academy), who had a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Kendrick's 15 boards came as she battled against the conference's top two rebounders in Eva Voss and Leslie Bremer.

 

Adding to Kendrick's attack was Katie Tuseth (White Bear Lake, MN/White Bear Lake High School) (White Bear Lake, Minn./White Bear Lake) and Liesch. Tuseth grabbed 12 rebounds to go with nine points, while Liesch worked hard for 15 points. The sophomore also tallied eight rebounds herself.

 

Assists came aplenty for Northwestern, as 16 of the Eagles' shots were assisted. Tuseth, Liesch and Kelly Zuleger (Cresco, IA/Crestwood High School) (Creco, Iowa/Crestwood) had four apiece in the win.

 

Bethany Lutheran (12-10, 6-6 UMAC) was led by Laura Parochka, who tallied 12 points. Bremer notched a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Northwestern has now won five consecutive games and remains at the top of the UMAC, where they have a one-game lead over Minnesota-Morris and Northland. Even in the result of a tiebreaker, the Eagles chances look positive due to their season sweep over Northland and the league's tiebreaker rules. If NWC indeed does win the conference, they will host the postseason tournament in conjunction with the UMAC men's tournament next Friday and Saturday in the Ericksen Center.

 

NWC will take a brief break before hosting Martin Luther on Saturday afternoon in a 3 p.m. matinee.