Box Score

ST. PAUL (Feb. 16, 2008) – The Northwestern College women's basketball team has come a long way since November, turning their 0-6 record into a 12-12 mark. The latest win came on Saturday, as the Eagles claimed at least a share of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) championship with a 68-52 win over Martin Luther College.

 

The Eagles built a 10-point lead before 13 minutes had ticked off the clock in the first half, and never looked back as the lead was extended to 37-20 after the first 20 minutes. Northwestern led by as much as 21 five minutes into the second period before the clock struck zero with a 68-52 Eagles win.

 

Northwestern didn't have their greatest game shooting, although they still maintained a 40 percent mark for the game. The Eagles made 37.5 percent of their attempts from 3-point land while holding the Knights to a 31.6 rate for the game.

 

Ariel Liesch (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) had a career day a she scored a personal-high 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Liesch barely missed from downtown, going 5-of-6 from behind the 3-point line.

 

Kaelee Kendrick (Eagan, Minn./Bethany Academy) (Eagan, Minn./Bethany Academy) also hit double figures, as the sophomore scored 10 points to go with seven rebounds.

 

With their win, the Eagles improve to 12-12 overall and 10-3 in the UMAC. If Northwestern wins their game against Crown at home on Tuesday, they will have claimed victory in seven straight games and will be granted sole ownership of the league title. Tuesday's game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.

 

The Eagles will also host the UMAC postseason tournament on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23. Northwestern's game on Friday is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m.