Minneapolis, Minn. – The University of Northwestern defeated North Central University 60-38 as the Eagles began the second round of conference play Tuesday night.

UNW shot to an eight point lead with 13 points contributed by Tiffany Stubbs (Ames, Iowa/Des Moines Christian) alone as the Eagles led 15-7 four minutes into the game. Jessica Cole (Altoona, Iowa/Southeast Polk) made a pair of free throws followed by a shot from downtown, as momentum continued to rise on the visitor's side. Jumping to a 15 point lead, Jacki Smith (Shoreview, Minn./Concordia Academy) drained a three with 9:28 on the board with a score of 27-12. Three minutes passed before another basket was made on either side. Stubbs made her fourth three of the night with just over five minutes to go in the first period. North Central continued to fight their 15 point deficit, bringing it down to nine with 2:12 on the clock. With no additional points in the half, Northwestern led 32-23 over the Rams.

Stubbs started the half out on top with a shot from behind the arc within 10 seconds of the whistle. Four consecutive Eagle baskets to follow would bring their advantage to 18 with 18 minutes remaining. NCU's Shelby Norman drained a three, hoping to bring the Rams up from behind. Cole had two additional free throws to bring UNW to a generous 21 point lead with the score at 51-30.

Stubbs led the Purple and Gold with 19 points, and Regan Cooper (Pella, Iowa/Pella) tallied nine rebounds. 24 points were made by players off the bench with 14 points scored off of turnovers. Shooting 40 percent behind the arc and 37.5 in field goal territory, the Eagles out-shot the Rams. Northwestern rebounded 52 balls compared to North Central's 34.

On the opposing side, Jamie High led the Rams with 17 points and 11 rebounds, with all other players six points or under. High now has 13 double-doubles this season, leading the team with a 16 point average per game.

Northwestern now improves to 7-1 in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play, traveling to Southwest Minnesota to take on Bethany Lutheran College and Martin Luther College this weekend. The Eagles will play the Vikings Friday night in Mankato, Minnesota at 5:30p.m. and will face the Knights on Saturday at 3p.m.