The Basics

• Final score: Western Oregon 57, Northwest Nazarene 61
• Records: WOU 4-21, 3-14 GNAC; NNU 10-13, 8-9 GNAC
• While the Wolves still lead in the all-time series, the Crusaders improved to 42-34.
• Location: Nampa, Idaho – Johnson Sports Center

 
How It Happened
Sydney Azorr started the Wolves off on a high note as she knocked down a three-pointer for the first bucket of the night. Western Oregon proceeded to hit their shots through the first quarter, ending the period with a 20-17 edge. Azorr went three-for-three from behind the arc in the first quarter alone.
 
Northwest Nazarene kicked off the second period with a 6-0 run, taking the advantage. The Wolves stayed close behind and tied up the game before the half.
 
Going into the second half, neither team could hang onto a large lead until the Crusaders went on another six-point streak, finishing the third quarter with an eight-point edge.
 
In the fourth period, Western Oregon fought to cut into their lead, and a jumper from Emily Howey put the Wolves one point behind the home team. Immediately after, with six points from Northwest Nazarene's Taylor Simmons, the Crusaders generated a nine-point advantage. However, the Wolves came right back with a 7-0 run to put them within two points at 57-59. It was Simmons, though, who would seal the Crusader victory with two free throw shots.
 
Wolves' Top Performers

• Sydney Azorr reached a career high of 22 points, going 4-for-5 from behind the arc. She also posted two rebounds and one assist.
• Emily Howey hit a season high with 18 points, while adding six offensive rebounds with one defensive board, two assists, two steals, and one block.
• Ali Nelke added six points, four assists, and two boards.

 
For the Crusaders

• Ellie Logan led the Crusaders with 20 points, finishing all of her four free throw attempts. She added four defensive rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
• Taylor Simmons had 14 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 at the free throw line. She also had five steals, four boards, and two assists.

 
Stats of the Game

• The Wolves went 22-for-62 from the field, while the Crusaders went 23-for-50.
• Western Oregon outrebounded Northwest Nazarene, 35-33.
• Western Oregon converted 17 points off of Northwest Nazarene's 21 turnovers, and Northwest Nazarene scored 15 points off of Western Oregon's 17 miscues.
• The Wolves' largest lead was five at the end of the first quarter, while the Crusaders' was nine at the end of the fourth.

 
Coach Quotes
WOU head coach Holli Howard-Carpenter after the loss:

• "Northwest Nazarene is a tough team. They are very athletic, and they competed hard tonight."
• "I thought we did an excellent job executing our game plan. We took them out of their rhythm and forced them into 21 turnovers while also keeping them off the offensive glass."
• "Our goal tonight was to be consistent and be even or plus after each quarter, and I thought we did that. Northwest Nazarene went on a few runs, but we fought back to give ourselves a chance."
• "We hit the offensive boards tonight which gave us extra opportunities, and for the most part, we converted. Sydney and Emily had the hot hand, and we just tried to keep getting them the ball."

 
Up Next
The Wolves will continue their weekend road trip and travel to Central Washington on Saturday, February 20. Game time is 4 p.m.