No. 8 TMU Women's Basketball remained unbeaten at the turn of the new year for the third time in program history, as Master's defeated University of Northwestern (Minn.) on Friday afternoon, 63-32.
With the victory, the Mustangs improved to 15-0 overall, their third-best start to a season in program history. TMU's best-ever start is 19-0 in 2019-20.
"We're very fortunate to end the year unbeaten, but we understand that comes with a target on our back second semester," Master's Head Coach Lisa Zamroz said.
The Mustangs' defense got TMU off and running, forcing the Eagles to turn the ball over on their first five possessions, as eight of TMU's first 10 points came via a fast break. Master's forced 11 turnovers and tallied 10 steals in the first quarter alone.
"Our defense gave us a hot start, forcing 11 turnovers in the first," Zamroz said. "We lost sight of that in the second and went into the half out of sync."
TMU led by 13 after the opening quarter while holding the visitors to just five points, before both teams scored 12 points each in the second.
The Mustangs re-established their rhythm in the third quarter, with 12 of their 17 points coming from 3-point shots. Allyson Pettit made two triples, with Ella Brubaker and Olivia Prettyman each sinking one.
"Steph sparked us in the third quarter with a renewed sense of urgency, along with some timely 3's from our guards," Zamroz said.
Master's held Northwestern to single-digit scoring again in the fourth quarter, as TMU held its opponents to under 40 points for the second-straight day.
Soares posted her 15th-straight double-double, tallying game-high totals of 25 points and 19 rebounds, with Pettit the only other Mustang in double figures with 11. Twelve Master's players scored in total.
TMU returns to the court on Monday for a 6 p.m. road game against University of Antelope Valley. The Mustangs defeated the Pioneers on Nov. 9, 92-56.
