WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS TO NORTHWESTERN

AVE MARIA, Fla. – In their final game before a quick holiday break at Ave Maria University, Avila women's basketball fell on Thursday afternoon to Northwestern, 87-60.

Avila got off to a quick 5-0 lead, but that was the last lead for the Eagles in the contest.

The Eagles were outscored in all four quarters, but were led by a strong individual performance from Madilyn Melton. The junior from Louisburg, Kan., put up 22 points and pulled down four rebounds. Melton's performance was helped by knocking down five of six shots from the free throw line.

Despite not scoring on the offensive end, Marlie Wright grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists in the contest – both team highs.

Northwestern shot 55.9 percent from the field in the game and hit six shots from behind the arc in the win.

Avila has nearly two weeks off before returning to Mabee Fieldhouse to face Park at 2 PM on New Year's Eve.