PRESCOTT, Ariz. – The second game of the year for the Multnomah University women's basketball team turned out to be a close one, coming up just short against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical, 65-64, on the road on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Eagles controlled the first half of the game, outscoring the Lions in both quarters 36-25. Embry-Riddle forced 25 turnovers by the Lions while reaching the free throw line 24 times, converting on 17 attempts.
 
MU was the more efficient team from the field, shooting 49 percent from the field compared to 39 percent from the Eagles.
 
Miranda Schmillen was the difference maker for the Lions, recorded a game high 20 points while adding a team high seven rebounds in just 25 minutes of play. Milan woods added 14 points while Kayla Hyppolite and Bethany George contributed seven points each.
 
Multnomah turned things up in the second half, outscoring the home team 19-18 in the third quarter and 20-11 in the fourth.
 
Melissa Pfeifer notched a double-double for the Eagles, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead Embry-Riddle to their program's first ever win in the inaugural season.
 
Down 63-51 with 3:05 to play in the game, a three-pointer by Valerie Wakefield spark a run by the Lions followed by seven straight points by Schmillen to come within three points of a tie.
 
The Lions will return to Jim Skagen Court for their home opener next Friday against U.C. Merced.