The #21 Charger women downed #15 Northwestern 75-59 in the NFC on Thursday evening behind a strong fourth quarter effort. Madelyn Deitchler and Konnor Sudmann paced the Chargers with 23 and 18 points, respectively. 

Both Briar Cliff and Northwestern came out slow from the tip off. Deitchler and Peyton Wingert were the only scorers for the Chargers in the first 10 minutes, combining for 13 points. The overwhelming BC defense forced six turnovers in the first quarter, but the Chargers trailed 13-15 heading into the second quarter. 

The second 10 minutes were similar to the first as both teams flew around trying to make plays on defense. The Charger defense forced another five turnovers, but committed four of their own. Sudmann started to heat up in the second quarter, scoring eight of the 12 points for the Chargers. Both teams nearly matched each other, but Northwestern outscored BC 13-12, pushing the score to 28-25 in favor of NWC at the halftime break. 

The Cliff came out firing in the third quarter, going on an 11-3 run in the first two and a half minutes of play. The Chargers shot 10-of-21 (47.62%) from the field while Northwestern shot 7-of-14 (50%) from the field. BC forced nine turnovers in this quarter and scored nine points off takeaways, helping them outscore the Raiders 27-21 to take a three point lead into the final quarter.

The Chargers continued their hot shooting streak in the fourth quarter, shooting 53.33% from the field and 40% from 3-point range. The Cliff still flew around in the final 10 minutes, forcing another seven Raider turnovers. Briar Cliff's defense combined with their outstanding shooting performance in the second half fueled the Chargers to a 75-59 victory over the #15 Red Raiders. 

Briar Cliff held the advantage in points off turnovers (22-11), points in the paint (38-32), steals (16-8), and shooting percentage (45.0%-42.6%). 

Deitchler was the leading scorer for the Chargers, netting 23 points, tallying three rebounds, and forcing three steals. Sudmann caught fire after the first quarter and recorded 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Wingert was the only other Charger to score in double-digits with 13 points, three rebounds and two steals. Kennedy Benne and Payton Slaughter, the defensive duo ranking one and two in the GPAC in steals, had six steals and 17 points combined.  

The Charger women are back on Ray Nacke Court on Saturday, January 21 when the team hosts the College of Saint Mary at 2:00 p.m. 

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