Pacific Union College Women’s Basketball Earn Third Win, Beat Northwest Indian College 61–56

January 28, 2026

By Daniel Morales

Images Courtesy of Abigail Suttan

The Pacific Union College women's basketball team earned its third win of the season Tuesday night, defeating Northwest Indian College 61–56 in a nonconference matchup in Angwin. The Pioneers (3–11) led from start to finish, using efficient shooting and a dominant performance on the boards to keep Northwest Indian College (0-1) at bay.

"Tonight was a great win for us. We had good intensity, moved the ball well and everyone stepped up especially in the second half when they shortened our lead." Said Mataya Sherman, a junior transfer.

Sherman led PUC with 13 points, adding nine rebounds and three assists. Krystal Pineda followed with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. Michelle Lugo-Hermosillo provided a key boost off the bench, scoring 10 points in 14 minutes while hitting two three-pointers and recording two blocks. PUC received contributions throughout the lineup, finishing with 15 assists on 22 made field goals.

"Coming into this program with not having the best record and finally being able to start and turn it around despite having some tough breaks along the way feels good. Tonight we were able to put it together and get the job done. We're learning that when we piece everything together we can win."

The Pioneers controlled the glass with a 42–28 rebounding advantage, including 36 defensive boards, and held a 26–22 edge in points in the paint.

Despite the home side building its largest lead of the game at 14 points midway through the third quarter Northwest Indian College stayed within striking distance by capitalizing on turnovers, scoring 20 points off PUC's 24 miscues, but struggled to sustain offense down the stretch. Pacific Union College sealed the win at the free-throw line, finishing 11 of 19 from the stripe.

"The basic details, the little things are what makes the difference. That starts with fundamentals, moving the ball, playing team defense, and when you do all those little things they come together and eventually they turn to positive results like we had tonight." Stated second year head coach Landon Banks.

The victory marks continued progress for the Pioneers as they look to continue building momentum in their upcoming trip to Arizona where they'll face off against Northern New Mexico (7-10) in a conference showdown on January 29. They'll also face off against Nelson University-Arizona on Saturday, January 31. Both contests being hosted at Nelson University in Phoenix.

"Whenever you win it always feels good, we'll enjoy it today and then we'll look to regroup and plan for conference play in Arizona." Concluded Banks.