NEWBERG, Ore. -- In a game where the Bruins led for the majority of the second half, junior Erin Yoshitake capped off a Bruin run that put away Pacific Lutheran University.

How It Happened
The first quarter saw back-and-forth scoring that ended on a four-point PLU run that put them up  at the end of the quarter, 16-12. From there, though, Fox used a stout defensive second quarter to snag the lead. The Bruins out-scored PLU 12-5 in the frame to go up 24-21 at the half, holding the Lutes to just 30% shooting in the first half and shooting 40% themselves. 

The third quarter was low-scoring, defensive basketball from both teams. Missed shots on both led to scoring droughts, the longest of which was nearly two minutes. However, Jenna Lacey hit a bucket and a pair of free throws at the end of the quarter that extended the George Fox lead to four at 34-30. 

The Lutes stayed within striking distance in the fourth, with the Bruins up by just four points with two minutes left. After a Claire Hinds free throw, the Bruins were up five, when they forced a Lutes turnover, which Yoshitake turned into a three on the other. The bucket turned out to be the final blow, as the Lutes were forced to foul. George Fox hit their free throws to close out the game, winning by 11 and righting the ship after a four-game losing streak.

Top Performances
Including the game-sealing three, Erin Yoshitake had 15 points, going 6-17 from the field. Jenna Lacey and Claire Hinds added 8 points each while grabbing 6 and 7 rebounds respectively.

Coach's Thoughts
"There was great defensive energy and effort from our team tonight," Bruin head coach Mike Coppolino said, "and I'm excited for our growth and the challenge next weekend."

What It Means
After a tough east coast trip where Fox played some of the top teams in the nation, the Bruins get back on the winning side of things, improving to 5-8 (2-2 NWC). Pacific Lutheran remains winless on the season, falling to 0-13 (0-4 NWC).

What Comes Next
Fox heads up to eastern Washington next weekend, playing Whitman on Jan. 13, and Whitworth on Jan. 14.