Willamette falls to Portland St.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland St. defeated Willamette, 89-52, at Viking Pavilion. The Bearcats' defense forced eight steals, but the team struggled offensively, shooting 34.5% from the field. Portland St. capitalized in the paint, scoring 64 points and maintaining a strong rebounding margin of 42-26 to secure the win.

The game commenced with Willamette taking an early lead, fueled by Kaitlin Imai's three-pointer and a subsequent layup, establishing a 5–2 advantage. Despite their initial momentum, Portland State responded effectively, overcoming the deficit and reclaiming the lead. The Bearcats' shooting efforts were concentrated beyond the arc, converting three of ten attempts, with Daisy Boling-Schmidt and Leia Mata contributing from three-point range. However, Portland State capitalized on their opportunities, scoring 16 points, and closed the quarter with a 23–11 lead.

Portland State extended their lead in the second quarter. Willamette managed to stay competitive early on, as Imai's steal led to a free throw by Boling-Schmidt, narrowing the gap to 28-12. Despite Riley Walden's defensive rebound and subsequent layup, Portland State maintained control with consistent scoring and defensive pressure. The quarter concluded with Willamette's Aasia Williams scoring a layup with 20 seconds remaining, assisted by Walden, cutting the deficit to 42-20.

Portland State opened the third quarter with a strong start, extending their lead with an early layup and jumper. Willamette responded as Imai made a jumper and later connected on a three-pointer at 6:31, assisted by Peyton Gardner, which kept the Bearcats within striking distance. Walden added a three-pointer, which contributed to Willamette's scoring efforts during the quarter. Despite Willamette's attempts to close the gap, Portland State maintained their momentum with effective scoring in the paint and fast breaks, including a layup by Sophie Buzzard. Willamette's defensive efforts included a steal by Boling-Schmidt, but Portland State's consistent scoring kept them ahead.

In the fourth quarter, Willamette started with a three-pointer from Walden, assisted by Williams, to narrow the gap early. Despite this effort, Portland State responded with a series of successful field goals, including multiple three-pointers by Kyleigh Brown, extending their lead. The Bearcats managed to maintain their offensive pressure with three-pointers from Gardner and Addie Hiler, as well as free throws by Jordyn Reed.

Though the Bearcats displayed resilience with key assists and a block by Reed, Portland State's efficient shooting and dominance in the paint solidified their advantage. The quarter concluded with Portland State leading 89–52, securing the win with strong offensive execution and defensive rebounding.

Willamette top performers were Kaitlin Imai, who scored 16 points and made two 3-pointers, Riley Walden with 13 points and six rebounds, and Emma Floyd with three rebounds and one steal.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Bushnell University on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. in the Cone Field House as a home game.