WHITTIER, Calif. -- At the end of the first half, the George Fox women's basketball team was down by 12 points to the Whittier Poets. Using a strong third quarter, the Bruins overcame the deficit to win, 63-55.
How It Happened
Both teams had a slow start shooting the basketball in the first, with the score at 13-8 at the end of the period. However, the Poets' offense showed up in the second quarter as Fox fell behind — the Bruins started the game 0-8 from three in the first quarter and was shooting just 20 percent at halftime, down 30-18, needing a push to get back into the game.
They got that push right out of the gate in the second half, opening up the third quarter with a seven-point run. Five minutes into the frame, a
Jenna Lacey layup gave the Bruins the lead. The game was tight the rest of the way, and Whittier was able to take back a two-point lead at the end of the third quarter, putting the Bruins behind to start the fourth.
Fox tied it up right away, then both teams went into a two-minute-long scoring drought. The drought was broken by an
Erin Yoshitake three-pointer, one of her six treys of the night. Down the stretch, Fox exercised their recent free throw demons, hitting clutch free throws to tie the game at 53 with less than a minute left. Yoshitake had a chance at a three to win the game with the final possession of regulation, but couldn't get it to fall. Heading into overtime, George Fox carried all of the momentum.
In overtime, Yoshitake hit two big three-pointers to lead all scorers in overtime. The Bruins' defense and outstanding rebounding kept the Poets one step behind; Fox kept the momentum going during the period, outscoring Whitter 10-2 in overtime to win by eight points.
Top Performances
Yoshitake led the Bruins in scoring with a season-high 21, going 6-13 from deep.
Jenna Lacey had her best game of the year as well, scoring 14 with three steals, and hitting clutch free throws down the stretch.
Alexa Borter had eight offensive rebounds, and 10 total boards while chipping in nine points.
What It Means
The Bruins creep closer to .500, as they improve to 3-5 (1-1 NWC). Whittier falls to 2-7 (0-4 in conference play).
What Comes Next
George Fox continues their California Christmas tour with a game against CalTech in Pasadena, Calif. on Sunday at 2 pm.
