McMINNVILLE, Ore. -- The George Fox women's basketball team could not overcome a strong fourth quarter from Linfield, as the Bruins dropped their first game to the Wildcats since January 2007.

How It Happened
Both teams came out neck-and-neck in the first quarter, a trend for the entire game. At the end of the first, The Bruins were down by three, 17-14. Fox had six points off the bench in the quarter to keep them in the game.

Emily Stephens had eight points in the second, and the Bruins took the lead at the end of the period, 26-24. The Fox defense stepped up in the quarter, allowing only seven points as the offense shot 44% from the field in the first, edging out Linfield's 40%. 

The third quarter was a low-scoring slugfest with both teams tallying less than ten points. The Bruins shot only 26% in the quarter but once again, defense helped Fox retain their slim lead, 34-33, at the end of the quarter. 

The fourth was tight all the way through, but the game changed with one minute and thirty seconds left. Fox had the ball down one, with a chance to take the lead. However, a crucial turnover on the inbounds play led to an and-one for Linfield's Ella Koebelin. This moment would prove to be a turning point, as the Bruins would not get back within three points. Fox struggled from the free throw line down the stretch, as the Bruins shot 2-6 from the line compared to the Wildcats' 7-7 in the final minute. Those Linfield free throws proved to be the deciding factor, as Fox fell to the Wildcats for the first time in 34 games.

Top Performances
Emma Stephens had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, leading the team in both. Ella Roberts was the other Fox player over ten, adding 12 points in 23 minutes.

What It Means
The Bruins are now 1-3 (0-1 NWC) and take their first loss in conference play. Linfield improves 2-3 (1-0 NWC).

What Comes Next
The Bruins go to Salem on Saturday for a game against the Willamette Bearcats at 4 pm.