Bearcats Defeat New Hope Christian 69-53 for Fifth Consecutive Win

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University rallied from a 25-20 deficit after the first quarter and shot 65.2% in the second half, as the Bearcats recorded their fifth win in a row with a 69-53 victory over New Hope Christian College on Monday, Jan. 4 at Cone Field House. The Bearcats upped their record to 9-2 on the season, while the Deacons dropped to 6-7.

Kylie Towry (Jr./So., G, Medford, OR/South Medford HS) led Willamette with 15 points and connected on 5 of 8 three-point shots, while playing in only the first three quarters. Mary Eckenrode (So., PG, Higley, AZ/Highland HS) chipped in 11 points, while Ashley Evans (So., PG, Canby, OR/Canby HS) scored 10.

Kenzie Weston and Jessica Logan each scored 14 points for New Hope Christian. Weston recorded 12 points in the first quarter on 5 of 6 field goals, including a pair of three-pointers. She left the game after suffering an apparent leg injury midway through the third quarter.

New Hope Christian built its early lead by shooting 78.6% in the first quarter (11 of 14), including 3 of 4 on 3-point shots. Willamette hit 8 of 14 shots (57.1%) during the quarter and made 3 of 7 three-pointers to remain close.

The Deacons led by as many as seven points at 16-9 following a jumper by Weston. WU pulled within 18-16 on a layup by Evans with 2:45 remaining. New Hope Christian ended the period with a 7-4 run.

Willamette put in the first seven points of the second quarter to take a 27-25 lead. A layup by Kelsey Walker (So., G, Westerville, OH/Westerville North HS) completed the run with 3:24 left in the half. Overall, the Bearcats outscored NHCC by a 10-5 margin during the second period to create a 30-30 tie at halftime.

The Bearcats surged in front with a 23-9 scoring advantage in the third period to take a 53-39 margin into the final quarter. The teams were tied at 33-33 shortly after halftime, and the Bearcats owned a slim 40-37 lead at the 5:33 mark, but WU closed the quarter with a 13-2 run.

Towry sank a trio of 3-pointers during Willamette's run, while Evans and Eckenrode each contributed one basket.

Eckenrode also began the fourth quarter with a basket, and the Bearcats led by at least 16 points the rest of the night. Willamette finished the game at 52.9% on field goals (27 of 51), including 65.2% (15 of 23) in the second half. The Bearcats connected on 7 of 11 three-pointers (63.6%) over the final 20 minutes to finish 12 of 24 overall.

Willamette achieved a 30-26 rebounding margin, led by Celine Gregoire (Fr., F, Woodburn, OR/ Woodburn Academy) with five rebounds. Towry and Wert each grabbed four boards. The Bearcats also amassed 20 assists with nine players recording at least one.

The Bearcats gained a 17-8 advantage in points off turnovers and an 18-14 scoring margin in the paint. WU forced the Deacons into 16 turnovers, while the Bearcats lost possession 15 times.

NHCC shot 39.6% for the game (21 of 53), while hitting only 27.6% in the second half (8 of 29). The Deacons made 5 of 17 three-point attempts (29.4%). Taya Harbick was the team's top rebounder with six boards. Harbick led all players with four assists.

Despite receiving an injury, Weston earned five rebounds, three assists, four steals and one blocked shot. She was 6 for 8 from the field.

The Bearcats will return to action on Friday, Jan. 8 at University of Puget Sound. Game time in Tacoma, Washington, is slated for 6 p.m. (PST). Willamette will return home to host Linfield College on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 4 p.m.