Bearcats Hit 38 of 45 Free Throws to Defeat Academy of Art, 79-70

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. --The Willamette University women's basketball team saw its 11-point halftime lead disappear, and the Bearcats fell behind by as many as nine points in the second half, before WU rallied past the Academy of Art University (Calif.), 79-70, in the 2nd Annual Bruce Henderson Memorial Capital City Classic on Saturday, November 27.

The Bearcats connected on 38 of 45 free throws during the game (84.4%). WU converted 22 of 25 charity shots in the second half.

Willamette improved to 1-3 on the season and went 1-0 in the tournament. Academy of Art University, which sank 15 of 25 free throws on the night (60.0%) fell to 1-4 overall, 1-1 in the Capital City Classic. Corban University, which fell to AOAU on Friday, 93-73, went 0-1 in the tournament.

The Bearcats led 44-33 at halftime and a free throw from Shayna Glynn (Sr., F, Boise, ID/Walla Walla CC) put Willamette in front 48-39 early in the second half. AOAU then went on a 20-2 run and eventually took a 59-50 lead with 8:33 remaining.

WU responded with a 15-2 run of its own. The Bearcats made seven free throws during the run to move in front, 65-61, with 3:37 remaining in the game. Back-to-back baskets by AOAU tied the score at 65-65 with 3:02 left.

The Bearcats outscored Academy of the Art 14-5 in the final three minutes to earn the victory. WU connected on all 10 of its free throw attempts in the closing minutes to secure the win.

Willamette finished the game 19 of 62 from the field (30.6%). The Urban Knights connected on 26 of 71 field goal attempts (36.6%). From the three-point line, the Bearcats were 3 of 17 (17.6%) while AOAU finished 3 of 11 (27.3%).

Alex Zennan (Sr., G, Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS) led Willamette in scoring with 19 points (11 of 12 on free throws). Glynn added 17 points (13 of 16 on free throws) and 12 rebounds for the Bearcats. WU won the rebounding battle, 50-45.

Maya McFaddin (Jr., F, McMinnville, OR/McMinnville HS) and Kaileigh Westermann (Jr., F, Belfair, WA/South Kitsap HS) each added 11 points. Westermann also grabbed nine rebounds.

For Academy of Art, Devin London tallied 17 points and earned four steals. Jessica Nolan recorded 15 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and four steals for the Urban Knights.

Willamette will host George Fox University in the Northwest Conference opener for both teams on Tuesday, Nov. 30. Game time at Cone Field House is set for 6 p.m. (PST).