Balanced scoring and a defensive adjustment proved to be the formula that propelled the Crusaders to the win as they improve to 2-3 overall and begin Great Northwest Athletic Conference play next weekend at home.

"We needed to create some energy and that's what we have been working on all week," commented NNU head coach Ryan Bragdon on his defensive adjustments in the first half as the Crusaders trailed by 18 at 33-15 with 8:21 to play in the opening half.  

Extending his defense to put pressure on the Fighting Saints guards ignited the comeback that saw NNU trail by just six at the half (41-35) and then take the lead on a Lexi Tubbs three-pointer with 14:44 to play, making it 46-44 in favor of the Crusaders.

Exchanging leads during the final ten minutes of play, NNU took the lead for good with 2:10 left on an Ellen Ferrenburg baseline jumper to lead 72-71.  Ferrenburg would also convert four straight free throws in the final 15 seconds of play to seal the victory.

"We did a great job today as we subbed in-and-out and the bench play today was excellent," Bragdon added.  

Bench play that saw Ferrenburg score 10 points and grab eight rebounds in 18 minutes of action and Kate Cryderman, who keyed the first-half rally, with 12 points.

Five Crusaders reached double-digits as both Ellie Logan and Cierra White scored 13 and Taylor Simmons added 10 to join Cryderman and Ferrenburg.  

Carroll College (4-4) was led by Cassidy Hashley's game-high double-double effort of 21 points and 11 rebounds and Kalee Junkermier scored 19 on four-of-seven shooting from the three-point line.

Freshman Bailey Pasta, who played prep basketball at Nampa's Skyview High School, came off the bench to score 11 for the Saints.

The Crusaders will return to home action next week, hosting Western Oregon University on Thursday and Saint Martin's University on Saturday.  Both games begin at 5:15 p.m. as part of doubleheaders with the NNU men's team.