Box Score


ST. PAUL – The Northwestern women's basketball team started off its 2012-2013 campaign on a strong note Friday, beating Finlandia University 83-57 as part of the ACR Homes Tip-Off Tournament.

The Eagles got off to a fast start, jumping to a 16-2 lead just 4:35 into the first half. Finlandia rallied within 8 less than two minutes later, but a Mollie Sir (Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood) three-pointer increased the home team's advantage back to 11. NWC's lead held steady until another scoring run left the score at 22-17 halfway through the period. Key rebounds were converted to scoring opportunities, leaving the Purple and Gold with 14 points in the paint and a lead of 12 heading into halftime.

As the second half began, Jessica Fife (Maple Grove, Minn./Osseo) notched three baskets in the first three minutes to guide the Eagle offense to a 49-29 score at the 16:34 mark. The visitors made continued efforts to cut into their deficit, but timely makes from behind the arc, courtesy of Sir, Chanel Madson (Westbrook, Minn./Westbrook-Walnut Grove) and Courtney Cunard (Missouri Valley, Iowa/Missouri Valley), provided lead-security for Northwestern and the team never looked back, finishing its first game of the season with a 83-57 win on its home court.

NWC had three double figures in scoring, as Sir led all players with 19 points, including five three-point shots made. Fife and Madson were close behind with 16 and 15 points apiece, while Fife also brought in eight rebounds. Ten of the 12 Eagle players who appeared in the contest scored in the victory, en route to the highest total the team has posted since February 1, 2011.

Northwestern earned an advantage in nearly every statistical category, including steals, assists, and points in the paint. Both teams had a successful night from long range, as the Eagles made 58.3% of their 12 attempts, while visiting Finlandia was successful on four of its nine three-point shots.

Six different NWC players made their first appearances on the Ericksen Center court on the first day of the Tip-Off Tournament In the first matchup of the day, Viterbo University beat fellow Upper Midwest Athletic Conference opponent North Central University, 91-20. After a quick night of rest, the Eagles will lace up their basketball shoes again on Saturday as they take on Viterbo in the 5 p.m. women's nightcap.