By Sara Elcano, Assistant Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, ORE. -- Hannah Munger scored 25 points and grabbed 19 rebounds to lead George Fox University to a 60-38 victory over the Willamette women's basketball team on Tuesday, Nov. 30. The game was the first Northwest Conference contest of the season for each team. George Fox improved to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in the NWC. Willamette is now 1-4 overall and 0-1 in the NWC.

Willamette battled with the Bruins throughout the first half of play. The Bearcats jumped out to a quick start and held an 8-2 lead with 15:23 remaining in the first half. The lead changed seven times during the first half and was tied twice. MacKenzie Lamson (Fr., F, Portland, OR/Lincoln HS) lead the team with five points in the first half.

The Bruins capitalized on Willamette turnovers during the first 20 minutes, turning 12 turnovers into 13 points. George Fox pulled down 16 offensive boards in the first half that led to 12 second chance points. GFU held a 28-17 advantage at halftime.

Willamette was able to keep the score close and trailed by just nine with 7:46 remaining. The Bruins scored the next 13 points to grab a 55-34 lead.

Shayna Glynn (Sr., F, Boise, ID/Walla Walla CC) scored a team-high nine points. Maya McFaddin (Jr., F, McMinnville, OR/McMinnville HS) added seven points and four steals. Kaileigh Westermann (Jr., F, Belfair, WA/South Kitsap HS) added five points and nine boards.

Munger was dominate inside the paint for the Bruins. Her 25 points and 19 rebounds were both career-highs for the sophomore. Keisha Gordon added seven points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals for George Fox.

Willamette finished the game 15-45 (33.3%) from the field. The team connected on 3 of 10 (30%) from three-point range. George Fox narrowly out-shot Willamette, as they made 23 of 64 (35.9%). The Bruins gained a significant advantage on the glass, where they out-rebounded Willamette 48-28. The Bearcat defense forced George Fox into 21 turnovers during the game.

The women's basketball team is back in action on Friday, Dec. 3 at the University of Puget Sound. Game time is set for 6 p.m. (PST) in Tacoma, Wash.