McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Northwest Christian outscored Linfield 37-25 in the second half on its way to a 63-49 nonconference victory Friday night at Ted Wilson Gymnasium, spoiling the Wildcats’ season debut.

NCU (4-2) got 16 points and 11 rebounds from Lindsey Shearer, plus 12 points from Jess Anderson.

Linfield was paced by the game-high 17 points of Gretchen Owens. Owens was just 8-of-19 from the field but contributed six rebounds, 2 assists and a pair of steals. Kaely Maltman (Jr., Sandy, Ore.) scored 15 points to go with five rebounds, and Katelyn Henson (Soph., Camas, Wash.) dropped in seven points and added three assists in her first collegiate contest. Another freshman, Alex Christensen (Soph., Hillsboro, Ore.), came off the bench to hit 2-of-4 shots, both 3-pointers, and finished with six points.

The Wildcats broke away from a 32-all tie early in the second half, taking a 40-34 lead. Again, the Beacons fought back, tying the contest at 41 on Mindy Smith’s 3-pointer from the corner with 8:32 on the clock.

After that, it was all Beacons. The visitors shot 4-of-9 from 3-point range in the period and forced 18 turnovers for the game.

In the first half, Linfield led by as many as 10 points, bolting to a 16-6 advantage at the 10:21 mark of the period. But NCU clawed its way back, going on a 7-0 run to pull within three on Kelsey Atkins’ jumper with 7:29 to play. Anderson, who scored a dozen first-half points, planted a jumper to put the visitors in front 24-22 with 2:16 left. Forcing 10 first-half turnovers while shooting 40 percent from the field, the Beacons led 26-24 at intermission.

NEXT: The Wildcats host Evergreen State at Ted Wilson Gym Saturday night. The game, part of women’s-men’s doubleheader, tips off at 6 p.m.