Pioneers are Strong on the Boards, Down Bearcats, 70-58

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110 and Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

PORTLAND, ORE. -- Lewis & Clark College hauled down 60 rebounds, allowing the Pioneers to overcome 31.0% shooting with second-chance points in a 70-58 victory over Willamette University on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the Pamplin Sports Complex. L&C improved to 15-7 overall, 8-4 in the Northwest Conference.

Willamette trailed 31-15 at halftime, but pulled within 34-23 with about 17 minutes left. The Bearcats, however, were unable to cut the margin to single digits.

WU cut the lead to 48-36 on a rebound and layup by Kaileigh Westermann (So., F. Belfair, WA/South Kitsap HS) with 8:44 remaining. The Pioneers put together a 16-7 run to increase their advantage to 64-43 with 4:05 to go, following a 3-pointer by Jodi Snider.

The Bearcats moved to 3-19 overall. Willamette dropped to 1-12 in the NWC. WU has three games remaining in the season, all against NWC opponents.

Alex Zennan (Jr., G, Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS) was WU's top scorer with 10 points. Westermann provided the Bearcats with nine points and tied Keilyn Fujioka (Jr., Post, Kailua, HI/Iolani School) for the team lead with nine rebounds. Freshman guard Sophie Wilson (Port Townsend, WA/Port Townsend HS) came off the bench to contribute seven points and two assists in 18 minutes of play.

Neva Houser recorded 17 points to lead the Pioneers. Megan Spence contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. Talerra Rich also achieved 10 boards for L&C.

A total of 56 fouls were called during the game. Willamette was whistled for 32 personal fouls and L&C had 24 fouls called. Willamette went 13 of 21 from the free throw line. Lewis & Clark gained a huge scoring advantage at the charity stripe, connecting on 29 of 42 attempts.

WU actually scored more field goals than L&C, 21-18. Willamette finished the game with 34.4% field goal shooting. L&C shot 31% from the field. However, the Pioneers were able to capture the victory thanks to free throw shooting and 3-point shooting. L&C made two more 3-pointers than Willamette during the contest.

Lewis & Clark also grabbed 29 offensive boards. The rebounds led to 23 second-chance points for the Pioneers. Willamette finished with 14 second-chance points.

Willamette hosts George Fox University on Friday, Feb. 12 at Cone Field House. Game time is set for 8 p.m. (PST).