February 16, 2025
#1 Eagles Pick Up Big Road Win
Norfolk, NE-
Kirkwood 76
Northeast 63
Kirkwood received its first test in over two months and passed, as they defeated Northeast 76-63 on Saturday afternoon in Norfolk, NE.
Northeast led 13-9 midway through the first quarter, but Kirkwood amplified its full-court pressure, forcing three consecutive turnovers, six quick points, and a 15-13 lead for the Eagles.
Kirkwood (25-0 / 15-0), who would not trail the rest of the game, used a 12-2 run to close the first quarter and take a 21-13 lead.
The Eagles' lead would be cut to 27-23 midway through the second quarter, but freshman Olivia Wren knocked down a three-pointer that ignited Kirkwood's 15-4 run to close the half and take a 42-27 lead at halftime.
A fast-paced third quarter would see Kirkwood take their largest lead of the game at 55-38 on a three-pointer by sophomore Jenna Twedt with 4:25 left in the quarter.
Northeast would trim that lead down to 10 points entering the fourth quarter, but the Eagles still led 57-47.
Kirkwood would give itself some breathing room early in the fourth quarter, as they scored the first five points and were able to keep the Hawks at bay the rest of the game.
Sophomore Kaliyah Sain led the Eagles in scoring with a game-high 19 points and nine rebounds.
Wren finished with 15 points and Twedt was the third Kirkwood player to finish in double figures with 13 points.
Sophomore Lizzy Puot added eight points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.
Kirkwood dominated the boards as they outrebounded Northeast 43-25, including 13 offensive rebounds, which led to a 15-2 edge in second-chance points.
The Eagles also owned the paint outscoring the Hawks 30-14 in points in the paint.
Kirkwood returns home Wednesday to host Southwestern in their "Pink Day" game at 5:30 pm in Johnson Hall.
Link to Box Score:
