BILLINGS, Mont. – The Northwest Nazarene women's basketball team traveled to face Montana State Billings on Thursday, January 15. Despite a strong third-quarter push, the Nighthawks struggled to keep pace late and fell to the Yellowjackets in a narrow 73–72 contest.
The loss moves NNU to 8–6 overall and 3–3 in conference play.
Montana State Billings set the tone early, jumping out to a quick lead.
Allie Hueckman looked to spark the Nighthawks with a jumper in the paint, but the Yellowjackets' defense limited NNU's offensive rhythm. MSUB paired that defensive effort with an efficient start on offense, shooting 8-of-14 from the floor to control the tempo. The Nighthawks trailed by nine at the end of the opening quarter.
Both teams struggled to find consistency early in the second quarter, trading turnovers and empty possessions. A three-pointer from MSUB's Brooklyn Brennan helped the Yellowjackets regain momentum.
Kelly Garrity answered with a deep three of her own to keep NNU within striking distance, but MSUB carried a 39–29 advantage into halftime.
Northwest Nazarene came out of the break with renewed energy.
Sadi Clemons and Hueckman went to work in the paint, while Garrity knocked down another three to cut the deficit to three. Although the pace slowed midway through the quarter,
Claire Fischer connected from beyond the arc to keep the Nighthawks within reach. MSUB found just enough offense to maintain a 55–49 lead heading into the final period.
The Nighthawks continued to apply pressure in the fourth quarter. Fischer drilled a deep three to build momentum, followed by a triple from Jene Wells that pulled NNU within two. Hueckman remained a force inside, scoring the basket that tied the game.
After a two-minute scoring drought by both teams, Hueckman drained a three to give the Nighthawks the lead. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, but
Montana State Billings sealed the game at the free-throw line to secure the 73–72 victory.
Hueckman led NNU with 15 points, three rebounds, and two steals.
Trinidie Nichols added 12 points, while Fischer finished with 11.
The Nighthawks continue their road trip on Saturday, traveling to Seattle to take on Seattle Pacific at 4:15 p.m. (PT).
