Northwest Nazarene University Athletics

NNU women bounce back with win at St. Martin’s University

1/10/2010 12:40:35 AM | By: Craig Stensgaard, NNU Sports Information Director

Lindsay Brady

Boxscore

LACEY, Wash. — The Northwest Nazarene women got back on track Saturday with an intense defensive effort against St. Martin's.

After a 67-61 loss at Western Oregon to open Great Northwest Athletic Conference play Thursday night, the Crusaders bounced back by holding the Saints to 8-of-27 shooting (29.6 percent) in the second half, grabbing a 77-65 victory in GNAC action.

“We wanted to focus on our defensive effort after our loss on Thursday and we came out and weren't still as sharp as we wanted to be,” NNU coach Kelli Lindley said as the teams traded the lead eight times in the first half. “We made a few adjustments and I thought our second-half effort was outstanding.”

In the opening 20 minutes, Heather Adams broke a 33-33 tie with a pair of free throws and Janee Olds added a 3-pointer, giving NNU (11-2, 1-1 GNAC) an edge it never relinquished, though the Saints (6-7, 0-2) did get as close as 38-36 back on a Krissy Bassett bucket.

Leading 47-41 at the half, the Crusaders put the game away with defense after St. Martin's closed as close as three points back three times in the early going.

Up 56-53, a Briaunna King layup sparked a 12-4 run capped by a Beth Johnson bucket with 5 minute, 11 seconds to play, putting the Crusaders comfortably in control ahead 68-57 en route to the win.

NNU held the Saints to 1-of-11 shooting and forced five turnovers during the decisive run.

“It was good to be able to get a win at a tough place to play,” Lindley said.

Lindsay Brady led the way in the win with 17 points, while Olds added 16 and seven rebounds, Brittney Roggenkamp scored 15 and King had 10 and eight boards.

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