ST. PAUL— In a close nonconference match-up against Macalester College, the University of Northwestern women's basketball secured the 69-62 victory Tuesday night.



With an early 2-10 lead, the Eagles gave the Scots a run for their money. It wasn't until eight minutes remained on the clock until Macalester brought the point margin down to three. The home team finally found their groove taking a one point lead over the Eagles with 4:40 remaining in the half, as the Scots led 18-17. With a block from Jacki Smith (Shoreview, Minn./Concordia Academy), and two consecutive baskets from Emily Van Lith (Minot, N.D./Our Redeemers), the Eagles stole back a 18-24 lead.  With two additional blocks, Smith capped off her first half with six total, including six defensive rebounds.

Campbell, ranked second in Division III with a three point percentage of 72.7, kicked off the period with yet another executed shot from behind the arc. Tiffany Stubbs (Ames, Iowa/Des Moines Christian) added another key Eagle three-pointer as the Scots trailed by ten with 16:23 left in the game. After a defensive rebound by Campbell and three offensive rebounds, Van Lith finally capitalized on a jump shot putting the Purple and Gold up 28-39 with 14 minutes remaining. Campbell came in clutch with a significant trey with just over five minutes on the board, putting Northwestern at their largest buffer of the game with a 20 point lead over Macalester. However, the Scots weren't done battling, adding 11 consecutive points before Regan Cooper (Pella, Iowa/Osseo) 's two good free throws could stop their momentum at 52-63. With the home team calling a timeout with 10 seconds to go, it wasn't enough to stop the Eagles strong finish. With two final blocks from Jacki Smith (Shoreview, Minn./Concordia Academy) in the last few seconds, Northwestern added a little frosting to the sweet victory over Macalester.

Both Jacki Smith (Shoreview, Minn./Concordia Academy) and Emily Van Lith (Minot, N.D./Our Redeemers) walked away from tonight's contest with double doubles. Smith added 10 blocks to her 22 season total, as well as 10 defensive blocks, putting her at 32 overall this year. Van Lith's impressive numbers included 14 total rebounds along with 12 points for the night. Campbell and Madson also put up double digit points for the Eagles, ending with 17 and 14.

Northwestern (3-2) will return home for the next two nonconference games, hosting Finlandia University on Wednesday night at 5 p.m. and Hamline University on December 8th at 7 p.m.