Sunday, November 4

Evanston, Ill.

2 p.m.

Northwestern

Lewis (exhibition)

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Lewis	15	16	18	20	69
Northwestern	27	18	19	20	84

Wildcats Down Lewis, 84-69, in Welsh-Ryan Arena Opener

11/4/2018 3:57:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern defeated the Lewis Flyers, 84-69, on Sunday afternoon in an exhibition to begin the 2018-19 season. Sunday's win marked the Wildcats' first game in the new Welsh-Ryan Arena following extensive renovations that began in March 2017.

The 'Cats were led by their captains, senior Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, junior Abi Scheid and sophomore Lindsey Pulliam, as 13 players saw playing time for the #B1GCats.

Scheid led the 'Cats with 19 points while adding five rebounds and four assists. Pulliam finished with 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting along with four rebounds.

Junior Amber Jamison added some efficient scoring off the bench, tallying 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting.

After receiving Preseason All-Big Ten honors heading into the season, Kunaiyi-Akpanah started the season right, falling just short of a double-double with 12 points and a game-high seven rebounds.

Northwestern opened the game shooting a blistering 55.0-percent (11-for-20) from the field and 55.6-percent (5-for-9) from deep to take a 27-17 lead after one quarter. Pulliam led all players with seven points, while Scheid chipped in six points and two assists.

After a small run by Lewis, the 'Cats extended their lead at the end of the first half after holding Lewis scoreless for over four minutes and closing on an 8-2 run to take a 45-31 lead into the break. Pulliam and Schied each finished the half in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively, while sophomore guard Jordan Hamilton led the team with four assists to go along with five points.

The Wildcats converted on their final six field goal attempts of the third quarter to open up a 64-49 lead. Scheid led the 'Cats with seven points in the quarter.

Both teams scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, but the Wildcats were able to stave off the Flyers offensive effort to seal the Sunday matinee.

Northwestern begins the season on Tuesday when they travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to face off against Green Bay. The Wildcats' home opener is Sunday, Nov. 11, when Chicago's Big Ten Team hosts Duke at 1 p.m at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Single-game tickets and season tickets are available at NUsports.com or by calling 888-GO-PURPLE.

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