By: Alex Plusquellec

SPOKANE, Wash. --- The George Fox women's basketball team used a big second half to cruise by Whitworth Friday night, defeating the Pirates 73-54 on the road.

Recap:
The Bruins set the pace early taking a 13-5 lead in the opening minutes. Kaycee Creech found her rhythm in the first quarter, going 3-3 from the field for seven points. Three pointers from Haylee Hutzler and Hailey Hartney extended the Bruins' lead, but the Pirates roared back to tie the game at 21-21 after the first.

In the second quarter, the Bruins broke the tie with quick layups by Creech and Kimberly Frost, but were only able to muster nine points in the period. The Pirates used their defense to regain the lead and take a three point advantage into halftime with score 33-30.

The Bruins came out aggressive in the third quarter as seven different players recorded a made basket. The Pirates attempted to keep pace but couldn't hold against a Bruins' defense that forced six turnovers in the quarter. Kaitlin Jamieson led the way with five points in the period and the Bruins went into the final quarter with a 57-47 lead. 

The defensive pressure remained constant from the Bruins, holding the Pirates to 3-16 shooting in the fourth quarter. Jamieson added six more in the quarter, and the Bruins finished strong beating the Pirates 73-54.

Top Performers:
The balanced offensive attack was led by Jamieson with 15 points, four steals and four rebounds. Creech was all over the floor, adding 12 points along with grabbing five rebounds and dishing out a couple of assists. Hartney and Haley Strowbridge each came off the bench to add nine points apiece.

What It Means:
The Bruins picked up their sixth straight win Friday night, maintaining a tie for second in the Northwest Conference. With a win Saturday night against the Whitman Blues, the Bruins will clinch the No. 2 seed in the NWC Tournament, and host the semifinal Feb. 23.

What Comes Next:
The Bruins will end the regular season on Feb. 18 as they are set to battle Whitman. Tip is set for 4 p.m.