NAMPA, Idaho – In their final home game of the season, Northwest Nazarene women's basketball battled fiercely against Central Washington but fell just short in a heart-pounding 69-67 finish. The Nighthawks close out regular-season play with a 10-8 GNAC record and a 16-11 overall mark as they prepare for the upcoming conference tournament.
Despite the tough loss, the Nighthawks are locked in as the No. 5 seed in the GNAC Championships and will begin tournament play on March 6 when they take on 4-seed Western Washington at 5:15 p.m. Pacific in Lacey, Washington.
Central Washington started strong in the first quarter, quickly building an early lead. However, NNU responded with key buckets to stay within reach. A pull-up jumper from Jené Wells brought the Nighthawks within four, followed by a clutch three-pointer from
Madeline Gebers to cut the deficit to one at 14-13. The Cougars stretched their lead once more as the quarter ended, with a three-pointer from Asher Cai putting them ahead by five.
In the second quarter, CWU continued to control the court, outrebounding NNU 11-9 and forcing three steals. Despite the pressure, the Nighthawks capitalized on six CWU turnovers to keep the game close. By halftime, the Cougars maintained a slim lead, 33-27.
The third quarter saw a momentum shift as NNU fought back. Big-time three-pointers from
Loy Waid and
Rylie Edlefsen chipped away at the deficit, while the Nighthawks' defense took over, forcing 10 turnovers and recording four steals. As the clock expired in the third,
Sadi Clemons drove to the hoop for a buzzer-beating layup, tying the game at 44-44 heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was a battle, with fans on the edge of their seats as the lead shifted multiple times.
Kate Clark gave NNU a spark, scoring five quick points, including a deep three. With under a minute to play, the Nighthawks trailed by two and desperately searched for a scoring opportunity. After two missed shots, a crucial CWU turnover gave NNU one last chance.
Danika Starr seized the moment, draining a three-pointer to put the Nighthawks ahead by one.
The Cougars responded with an and-one play to regain the lead, but
Kendall Clark calmly sank two free throws to knot the game at 67-67. With time winding down, CWU found an opening and converted a final layup, securing the 69-67 victory.
