FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Ashley Akamine led all scorers with 15 points but the Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team was unable to withstand a second quarter scoring surge from host Pacific University, falling 73-44 in a Northwest Conference showdown inside the Stroller Center.

The host Boxers (14-8, 10-4 NWC) never trailed, staking an early 12-4 lead and owning a four-point advantage after one quarter of play. The Lutes' (10-12, 2-11 NWC) tied the game at 21 courtesy of a Taylor Schmidtke layup with 8:32 remaining before halftime but Pacific would pull away over the next six minutes, scoring 24 consecutive points to establish a comfortable lead and taking a 47-25 edge into the halftime intermission.

Pacific Lutheran outscored the hosts in the fourth quarter but the Boxers held a double digit lead the entire second half to cruise to the win.

"We were not the tougher team tonight and that was evident in our play," said Head Coach Lee Aduddell.

Akamine hit six of her eight shots from the floor, dropping a game-high 15 points, marking the 11th time this winter scoring in double figures. Ava Edmonds added nine with Sydney Reisner chipping in seven. Kasidy Javernick and Jaida Wood paced the Lutes on the glass, both hauling down five rebounds. 

PLU ended the night shooting just 33.9 percent (19-for-56) from the floor while the hosts hit 50.8 percent (30-for-59) of their opportunities and held a 24-8 edge in points off turnovers.

"We have to regroup tonight and remember what we're playing for so we're prepared to take the fight to Lewis & Clark tomorrow."

The Lutes play their final road game of the season on Saturday, lacing up the sneakers against Lewis & Clark College at 4 p.m. in Portland.