WALLA WALLA, Wash. --- The No. 3-ranked George Fox women's basketball team pushed its streak to 23 Saturday afternoon, as the Bruins defeated Whitman College, 73-65.

Without celebrating too much last night after taking down No. 19 Whitworth University in a crazy overtime victory, the Bruins turned their focus on Whitman College for another epic showdown. In the opening minutes, the Bruins used their high paced and suffocating defense to their benefit causing early turnovers and easy baskets.

Midway through the first, the Missionaries found a way to play it cool under the high pressure of the Bruins, and even managed to go up by 10 after a quick rally of their own. The Bruins wasted no time clawing at the lead, and even bringing it to a tie moments later when Justine Benner made a nice move in the paint.

Whitman would go into the half up by two after a fast break basket with 12 seconds left on the clock, 36-34.

Both teams went into the break shooting over 50 percent from the field.

The second half was even more suspenseful then the first, as both teams traded baskets back and forth at a frantic pace. Sammy Naluai gave the Bruins some momentum when she forced a steal and completed the fast-break layup to tie the game, 54-54.  The very next play Benner took a hard foul in the paint, but made the pair of free throws to give the Bruins a 56-54 lead.

The suspense and tension could be felt in the gym, as the home fans started to watch the Bruins pull away and take a six-point lead after Naluai made both free throws, 60-54.

George Fox continued to keep its foot on the gas pedal increasing its lead to 10 with five minutes left in the game. After regaining control of the game in the final minutes, the Bruins cruised to a comfortable margin finishing the game with an 8-point lead, 73-65.

Benner led all scorers on the night with 20 points. She also added seven rebounds and went 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Both Naluai and Lauren Codling finished the night with 15 points, while Jami Morris contributed 10 points. Codling recorded her 10^th double-double of the season bringing down 12 rebounds to go with her 15 points. She also had a game-high four steals.

The Bruins improve to 23-0 on the season and 14-0 in the Northwest Conference. With the win, the Bruins clinched first place in the Northwest Conference.

George Fox will head to Pacific on Tuesday, February 17 to complete the three game road trip with tip-off at 6:00 p.m.