Mankato, Minn. – The University of Northwestern women's basketball team saw their eighth conference victory Friday night over Bethany Lutheran College with a close final score of 58-57.

Both teams were off to a slow start, as the first three minutes remained scoreless. Regan Cooper (Pella, Iowa/Pella) put the Eagles on the board with a layup. Seven minutes into the half, the teams were tied at four in one of the lowest scoring starts to the season. As the teams played tug-a-war for the lead, until Tiffany Stubbs (Ames, Iowa/Des Moines Christian) drained a three with five minutes on the clock, putting the score a 17-12. Jacki Smith (Shoreview, Minn./Concordia Academy) added to the Eagles' lead with a three-point jump shot, bringing the Purple and Gold to an eight point advantage.  Going into halftime, the Eagles led 22-16 over the Vikings.

BLC's Angela DeBruzzi started the second period with a three, trying to gain momentum for the home team.  Chanel Madson (Westbrook, Minn./Westbrook-Walnut Grove) responded with two consecutive shots from downtown, in the third minute of the half, as the visitors took back a seven point lead. DeBruzzi wasn't finished fighting for her team with two consecutive threes, keeping the Vikings in the game as they slightly trailed 33-31. Another two minute lull came and went as both teams didn't score a basket. Bethany Lutheran came within a point at 8:22 with a jump shot from DeBruzzi as the score reached 41-40. The home team finally took the lead with seven minutes to go. Within minutes, the Vikings made an offensive push taking the 50-43 lead with 4:40 on the board, forcing a Northwestern timeout. Martin Luther's Anna Balcom made a pair of charity points, increasing the Eagle deficit to nine points. Four Purple and Gold free throws kept the Eagles in the running, bringing the score to 54-49. Stubbs made a comeback shot from downtown with just over two minutes remaining as both teams fought for the lead. Chanel Madson (Westbrook, Minn./Westbrook-Walnut Grove) overcame the three point deficit with a three pointer, tying the game at 55 with just over a minute remaining. Another shot from downtown did the trick, as Madson won the game for the Eagles with 22 seconds on the clock. Bethany was unable to respond with the final score of 58-57.

Top scorers for the Eagles included Smith with 15 points and Madson with 14. Bethany's DeBruzzi scored 18 points, with Angie Scheffler (13) and Anna Balcom (12) following behind.  Northwestern (12-8, 8-1 UMAC) will see the court again tomorrow afternoon in New Ulm as they face Martin Luther College at 3 p.m.