TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball squad went toe-to-toe with ninth-ranked George Fox University for three quarters before running out of gas on Friday night, falling 67-51 in a Northwest Conference tilt inside Olson Gymnasium.

The nationally-ranked Bruins (10-2, 3-0 NWC) raced out to a 14-6 lead seven minutes into the game but the Lutes (8-3, 1-2 NWC) battled back, closing within a possession with 50 seconds left in the opening quarter on a Katie Taylor three. The game was whittled to a single point at 21-20 after Emma Janousek drained a pair of free throws with 4:26 left before halftime but George Fox tallied 12 of the next 14 to enjoy a 33-22 advantage at the intermission.

PLU reduced the gap to just six points in the third period, first on a three from Katie Taylor with 2:27 left in the quarter and again on a MacKenzie Cooper free throw with 33 ticks left to head into the final quarter trailing by single digits after outscoring GFU 17-13 in the third. The visiting Bruins pulled away in the final seven minutes of the game, utilizing a 15-5 run to earn separation and escape Tacoma with the win. 

"To beat the best we needed to bring our best and tonight we all agreed this was not our best," said Head Coach Jennifer Childress. "They're a great team an they executed a great game, forcing us to rush our offense. We brought our full effort no doubt, but our focus and execution were below our standards."

Taylor came off the bench and led the Lutes scoring attack, netting 17 points after draining four three-pointers and finishing five-for-seven from the floor. Anna Hurd added 11 points and six rebounds while Madison Salisbury had nine points and a team-best eight boards and three blocks. Janousek added five assists and three steals. 

"Katie had a great offensive game. I'm so proud of the composure she showed against their pressure."

PLU was able to hang with George Fox on the glass but was undone by costly turnovers as the Bruins enjoyed a 27-5 edge in points off turnovers. The Lutes limited George Fox to shooting just 32.8 percent (19-for-58) from the field, including a paltry 20 percent (two-for-10) in the third quarter. 

The Lutes return to the court tomorrow afternoon, hosting Willamette University at 4 p.m.