NEWBERG, Ore. -- As has been the case throughout the season, the George Fox women's basketball team won a tight game, using late Tara Ushiro free throws to improve to 8-1 with a 47-45 victory over UC Santa Cruz.

How It Happened
The Bruins jumped out to an early lead, but it was clear from the start that the game would be a defensive battle. Alyssa Wells had five of Fox's first seven points as they jumped out to a 7-2 lead after six minutes, but the Banana Slugs hung around, holding the Bruins scoreless for three minutes as they took a 10-7 lead. The Bruins countered with a 6-0 run of their own, with Claire Hinds scoring four points and nailing two free throws to give Fox a 13-10 lead at the end of the first.

While the second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, the Bruins never relinquished the lead, taking a 23-20 lead into the break. Just three GFU athletes scored in the period — Mia Skoro, Hanne Hopkins, and Sophia Hardy. With time winding down in the half, Wells picked up her third foul, changing the dynamic as the teams came out of the halftime locker room.

Wells sat out the entire third period due to foul trouble, with Hardy earning the start in the second half — and made an instant impact, scoring the first points of the quarter for the Bruins. It was déjà vu all over again in the third, with Fox never trailing in the third, but never breaking away from UC Santa Cruz. A lockdown Bruin defense limited the Slugs from outside, and took a 37-33 to the final period.

After a Skoro free throw with 7:48 left in the fourth gave Fox a 40-35 lead, the Bruin offense fell silent; Fox scored just two points in the the next six minutes, with the Banana Slugs taking their first lead since the early stages of the first quarter — a free throw from Jenna Gorton giving UC Santa Cruz a 45-42 advantage.

Though she had dealt with foul trouble throughout the game, Wells rose to the challenge, nailing a tough triple with 1:20 left to knot the game at 45. The teams traded misses before Tara Ushiro delivered the premier play of the game with just 16 seconds remaining. Ushiro stepped in front of a Slugs pass, stealing the ball and racing down the court, drawing a foul on the layup. The sophomore knocked down both of her free throws, giving the Bruins a 47-45 lead that they held onto; Gorton's shot in the final seconds fell short.

Top Performers
The game featured plenty of defense, with the defenses forcing a combined 40 turnovers (25 for UCSC, 15 for GFU). For the second time this season, Fox held a team without a three-pointed, with the Slugs finishing the night 0-10.

On the offensive side, Mia Skoro led the team with 12 points, while Alexa Borter led the way with six rebounds. Hanne Hopkins finished the night with six points, four rebounds, four steals, and six assists, while Sophia Hardy scored a season-high six points off the bench. 

What It Means
With the win, George Fox improved to 8-1 — their best start since 2018-19 —- while UC Santa Cruz dropped to 4-10 on the season.

What Happens Next
Friday's game concluded Fox's nonconference slate, as the Bruins transition to Northwest Conference play. The first NWC game of the year with be in Newberg at Wheeler Sports Center, as the Bruins welcome Willamette (3-5, 1-0 NWC). Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.