TACOMA, Wash. — Puget Sound fought hard on their home court but ultimately fell short against George Fox, 71-61, on Saturday night at Memorial Fieldhouse. Despite a strong second-half effort, the Loggers couldn't overcome early struggles as the Bruins secured the Northwest Conference victory.

George Fox (19-6, 11-5 NWC) came out firing, racing to a 23-15 lead in the first quarter behind efficient shooting. The Bruins shot 60% from the field in the opening period, led by Alexa Borter, who finished with 12 points and six rebounds. Puget Sound (11-14, 10-6 NWC) struggled to find offensive rhythm early, mustering just nine points in the second quarter and trailing 36-24 at halftime.

The Loggers showed signs of life in the third quarter, outscoring the Bruins 19-17 behind the play of Paige Oh, who paced the team with 12 points and two steals. Mele Sake provided an inside presence, contributing 11 points and three rebounds, but Puget Sound never fully closed the gap.

George Fox's ability to capitalize on Puget Sound's mistakes proved to be a difference-maker. The Bruins forced 13 turnovers and turned them into 21 points. Hanne Hopkins led the way with 13 points, going 7-for-9 from the free-throw line, while Mia Skoro and Alyssa Wells each added 10 points.

Puget Sound made one last push in the fourth quarter, but George Fox's clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch sealed the win. The Bruins finished 19-for-22 from the free throw line, finishing with 86.4%.

The Loggers and Bruins will meet again in the postseason, next Friday - hosted at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.