MORRIS, MINN. – The University of Northwestern women's basketball team hit the road to take on the UM-Morris Cougars in a Wednesday evening bout, with hopes to extend their four game win streak. The Eagles took down the Cougars earlier this season in the middle of January, but the Cougars were able to get the upper hand the second time around by a final score of 77-72.
The first quarter was a back-and-forth battle between the two squads. The Eagles jumped out to an early 11-7 lead midway through the opening frame, but the Cougars would even the game up at 18 heading into the second.
Morris found their groove in the second quarter, jumping out to an early six point run.
Jordan Sauve (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) and
Rio Landers (Grand Meadow, Minn./Grand Meadow) would pull UNW within a single point at the six minute mark. The Cougar offense would finish the quarter like it started, ending on a scoring run to lead the Eagles 39-31 at the break.
It appeared as though the Morris was going to run away with the contest, extending their lead to 17 just three minutes into the third. A
Kelsea Lund (Madison, Minn./La qui Parle Valley) three-pointer sparked Northwestern to get back on track, ending the third quarter on an 18-5 run to trail by one going into the final frame.
The final quarter was a tight one, with each team trading blows until the final minutes. Northwestern had the game within one point twice in the final minute of play, but Morris would hit their free-throws to pull away as time expired.
Leading the offensive attack for UNW was Lund and Landers, each scoring 19 points, respectively. Lund would add three steals and three assists, while Landers grabbed seven rebounds and two blocks.
Megan Roberts (Greeley, Colo./Dayspring Christian Academy) also reach double digits with 10 points to go along with six rebounds.
Northwestern will return home this weekend to take on Martin Luther on Saturday, February 8. For all things Eagle basketball, fans can follow @unwwbb on Twitter and Instagram or visit www.unweagles.com.
