SALEM, Ore. --- On the road against Willamette in their biggest game of the year, the George Fox women's basketball team held strong against the Bearcats, narrowly winning 56-52 in a matchup with huge Northwest Conference standings ramifications.

How It Happened

Both teams traded the lead early on to start the game before Willamette was able to jump out to an 11-6 advantage. After shooting 46% in the period, the Bearcats took a 15-12 lead into the second. Six different Bruins scored in the period for the Bruins to keep things close. 

Cassidy Posey came alive in the second for the Bruins as the Bruins embarked on a 7-0 run to take a two-point lead with two minutes remaining in the half. Posey would go on to score seven in the quarter, and the game was knotted at 25 at halftime.

If Posey controlled the second quarter, the third was all Rachel Parks. Parks scored 10 points in the period, shooting 4-6 from the field and 2-3 from distance. The Bruin defense locked down on the Bearcats, stealing the ball four times and outscoring Willamette 18-9 to take a 43-34 lead.

After expanding their lead to 13, the Bruins gave up three consecutive triples and saw their once-impressive lead trimmed to four. With 2:51 left in the quarter, the Bruin lead was only two. Posey made sure that wouldn't last long, turning the tides by burying a huge three. Though the Bearcats were able to cut the lead to one with seconds left, Emily Stephens sank her free throws and ensured the Bruin win.

Top Performances

Parks led the way for Fox in scoring with 16 points and also nabbed two steals. Posey and Alyssa Wells scored 12 apiece and hit six treys combined. After early from beyond the arc this season, Posey is a perfect 4-4 from deep over the last two games. 

Coach's Thoughts

"This was a gritty defensive effort and an important road win," coach Michael Coppolino said after the victory. "We battled in a very physical game and I'm proud of our team."

What It Means

The Bruins improve their record to 10-10 overall with five games left in the regular season and hold a one-game edge over Willamette for the fourth seed in the NWC Tournament.

Up Next

Fox will finish its season series against Linfield in McMinnville on Friday before returning to host Senior Day against Willamette on Saturday, Feb. 12. Senior ceremonies will take place prior to the Bruins' 4:00 pm tipoff, so be sure to arrive early.