2/7 - PACIFIC LUTHERAN 74, GEORGE FOX 49: Johnson's Triple-Double Leads #16 Lutes Past Bruins
TACOMA, Wash. - Courtney Johnson, Pacific Lutheran University's pre-season All-American, posted a triple-double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 blocked shots, leading the 16th-ranked Lutes past the George Fox University Bruins 74-49 in a Northwest Conference women's basketball game Saturday night here at Olson Auditorium.
Sara Wilcox's lay-up with 12:36 left in the first half broke a 12-12 tie and gave the Lutes an advantage they would hold the rest of the game. PLU took a 36-19 lead into the locker room at halftime, then out-scored the Bruins 38-30 in the second half.
PLU is ranked 10th nationally in defense, and the Lutes did a good job of defending the Bruins, holding them to their lowest shooting percentage of the season, 29.4% (20-68). The Lutes, meanwhile, hit 50% from the field (30-60) and 91.7% from the line (11-12). The Lutes also controlled the boards 43-37.
Kellie Thomas led George Fox with 16 points, the only Bruin with double-figure points, and Darby Cave gathered in 12 rebounds. Amy Fitch had a team-high 4 assists.
In addition to Johnson's big game, Wilcox scored 16 points and Aundi Kustura 13 for the Lutes. Mallory Mann dished out 7 assists.
George Fox fell to .500 for the season at 9-9 and to 3-7 in the conference with its 4th straight setback. Pacific Lutheran improved to 16-2 overall and 10-0 in the league with its 12th straight win, a new team record.
The Bruins return home to host Yamhill County rival Linfield College Tuesday (Feb. 10) at 6:00 p.m., followed by the men's game at 8:00 p.m. The Lutes visit Whitworth Friday (Feb. 13).