Late Run Lifts Northwestern Past Women's Basketball

ORANGE CITY, Iowa — Northwestern College (Iowa) used a decisive edge on the glass and timely 3-point shooting to hand Doane women's basketball an 80-67 setback Saturday afternoon at the Bultman Center in GPAC play.

Doane (10-11, 8-9 GPAC) got a game-high 23 points from Rylie Rice, who knocked down six 3-pointers and scored 14 of her points in the fourth quarter as the Tigers tried to chip away. Megan Chambers added 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting with seven rebounds, while Keeleigh Knobbe finished with nine points, three assists and a pair of steals.

Northwestern (11-11, 7-9 GPAC) was paced by Allison Piercy's 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Ashtyn Wobig posted 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Jenna Kluxdal came off the bench with 17 points as the Red Raiders outscored Doane's bench 25-2.

Northwestern set the tone early, taking a 21-15 lead after one and stretching the margin to 38-27 at halftime. The Red Raiders continued to create extra possessions throughout the day, finishing with a 52-28 rebounding advantage, including 19 offensive rebounds.

Doane's best push came late. After trailing 56-45 entering the fourth, the Tigers used a barrage from beyond the arc—highlighted by back-to-back Rice 3-pointers—to pull within five at 61-56 with 6:02 left. Northwestern answered with a pair of Piercy 3s and key finishes inside to rebuild separation and close out the win.

Doane finished 25-of-63 from the field and 7-of-24 from three, while Northwestern went 29-of-67 overall and 9-of-28 from deep. The Tigers forced 19 turnovers and totaled nine steals—four from Mattea Kassebaum—but couldn't overcome the rebounding gap and second-chance opportunities.

(generated by ChatGPT)