ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Northwestern women's basketball team took on the Maranatha Baptist University Sabercats in the Ericksen Center on Saturday. The Eagles came out on top 79-30 and improved to a 4-1 record.
 
The first quarter saw both teams trying to find their rhythm. The Sabercats found the first bucket of the game after the first two and a half minutes. This would be the only time they would hold the lead as the Eagles would then respond with points of their own, including an 8-0 run late in the first. UNW led MBU 12-6 at the end of the quarter.
 
It was in the second quarter when the Eagles became dominant on both sides of the ball. To start, the Eagles went on a 14-0 run. The Sabercats would eventually score, however this would be the only bucket the Sabercats would see as the Eagles closed the quarter with an 8-0 run, capped off by a Taylor Schuck (Maple Grove, Minn./Heritage Christian Academy) layup with a minute left. The Eagles held the Sabercats to 14 percent shooting, while hitting 59 percent of their shots in the quarter and entered halftime leading 34-8.
 
A firework show took place in the third quarter as both teams exchanged shots. The Eagles found themselves shooting 63 percent from the field, including 50 percent from the three-point line. Lexi Hagen (Jordan, Minn./Jordan) capped off the quarter scoring the last 6 points for UNW. Northwestern entered the final quarter leading 63-22.
 
The fourth quarter is when the Eagles built up their biggest lead of the game as they led by as much as 49 points. Overall, the Eagles defense was elite as they forced 27 turnovers, 16 of which were stolen balls. It was also a great game from the free-throw line as they shot 85 percent from the charity stripe.
 
Megan Roberts (Greeley, Colo./Dayspring Christian Academy) led the Eagles in scoring with 21 points and also led them in rebounds, bringing in seven of them. Hailey Paup (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Concordia Academy) added 11 points, while Kelsea Lund (Madison, Minn./Lac qui Parle Valley) added 10 points as well. 
 
The Eagles have a couple of days to rest as their next game will be played on Tuesday, December 7. They will be on the road to take on the No. 10 nationally ranked Wartburg College Knights at 7:00 p.m. For all things women's basketball visit www.unweagles.com or follow them on social media @unwwbb.