SKYLIGHTS vs CU

Story of the Game
The Skylights went into Jackson, Tenn. ranked No.21 in the Coaches' Preseason Top 25 Poll and were tested from the start.  The Skylights met the No.6 Campbellsville University Friday, Nov. 24 in the first day of action at the Rotary Classic.  The Tigers came out on top with a 68-59 victory over the Skylights, who played without leading scorer and rebounder Shiloh McCormick due to injury.

Stat of the Game
Despite the loss, the Skylights shot a season-high 53.3 percent on 8-of-15 from beyond the arc.  Senior guard Brandy Lambourne led the squad with 4-of-6 while junior guard Peyton Filius connected on 3-of-5.

Turning Point
At the end of the first quarter, Northern trailed 10-17.  A short jumper in the paint by junior forward Jessica Curl helped the Skylights pull within five points early in the second quarter, but turnovers late in the stanza helped the Tigers build a 35-22 halftime lead.  The Skylights found themselves behind by 19 at the 8:21 mark early in the third quarter and the game begin to look out of reach as CU continued to pressure Northern's guards into turnovers in the full court.  The Skylights chipped away at the lead as guards Jacy Thompson, Lambourne, and  Filius all connected from downtown to pull within seven points at the 3:30 mark in the fourth quarter.  The Tigers capitalized on free throws late in the quarter to secure the victory.

The Skylights So Far
Northern moves to 5-2 in preseason play.

SKYLIGHTS vs MMC

Story of the Game
In their second day of the Rotary Classic, they Skylights took on a Martin Methodist College team that ranks sixth in NAIA DI in total blocks and steals.  The game saw overtime action, but the Red Hawks came out with the 74-69 victory.

Stat of the Game
Senior guard Jacy Thompson led all scorers with 24 points on 7-of-17 from the field and 9-of-10 from the foul line.  She also grabbed nine rebounds.

Turning Point
The Skylights trailed for most of the game, but were able to gain a five-point lead late in the fourth quarter off of four straight free throws (guards Brandy Lambourne and Peyton Filius both went 2-of-2 from the charity stripe).  A last-second three-point heave by the Red Hawks in front of their own bench went in to send the game into overtime at 62-62.  To start off the final stanza, MMC converted a three-point play to take the lead at 65-62.  Lambourne answered back and hit a jumper in the key to pull within one point.  The Red Hawks then capitalized off two Skylight turnovers to secure the win.

The Skylights So Far
Northern is now 5-3 in preseason action.

Up Next
The Skylights will now face their first opponents of conference play as they take on both Rocky Mountain College and Carroll College in Havre on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.  Game information and links can be found on the schedule page.

PHOTO COURTESY of Zach O'Kelley, Bethel University Athletic Media Relations