Tight competition between Willamette and Bushnell

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette fell to Bushnell, 51-49, in a tightly contested matchup at Cone Field House on Saturday. The Bearcats held a six-point lead at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring only 18 points after intermission. Despite forcing 22 turnovers and outscoring Bushnell 30-24 in the paint, the Bearcats were unable to convert enough opportunities, missing 22 three-point attempts.

Willamette began the first quarter by capitalizing on turnovers, scoring seven points off Bushnell's mistakes. The team excelled in the paint, contributing 10 points and demonstrating effective ball movement with six assists. A significant momentum shift occurred with Addie Hiler's layup at 4:47, putting the Bearcats ahead.

As the quarter progressed, the Bearcats maintained control with a strong defensive presence, allowing only six field goals from Bushnell. Late in the quarter, Alexis Dockter's layup, followed by a successful free throw, extended the lead. The quarter closed with Willamette leading 18–12.

The second quarter began with Willamette extending their lead through effective defensive play and capitalizing on turnovers. Kaitlin Imai contributed a key block early on, leading to Alexis Dockter scoring a jumper in the paint. Riley Walden added to the momentum with a three-pointer at 6:17, assisted by Imai, showcasing the team's collaboration in offense.

Bushnell struggled to convert opportunities, managing only one field goal and committing six turnovers, which the Bearcats turned into six points. Aasia Williams and Daisy Boling-Schmidt were active on defense, with Williams securing a late-quarter jumper and free throw to widen the gap. The quarter closed with Willamette leading 31–18, maintaining control and setting a strong pace for the remainder of the game.

Bushnell started the third quarter strongly, narrowing the gap with an early scoring surge. Willamette responded with effective plays from Imai, who added crucial points with a jumper at 6:46 and another basket at 4:46, maintaining the team's lead. Despite turnovers, Willamette's defensive efforts, including key rebounds by Gabbie Wilson and Boling-Schmidt, helped manage the visitor's advances.

Late in the quarter, Bushnell continued to press, closing the gap further. Willamette held firm, with Imai converting a free throw in the final seconds to solidify the lead. The quarter concluded with Willamette ahead, 40-34, maintaining their advantage into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Willamette opened with a narrow lead, but Bushnell quickly shifted momentum with a jumper and free throws, tying the game at 40. Willamette responded by maintaining pressure in the paint, with Aasia Williams scoring crucial layups to keep the contest close.

Despite strong efforts in offensive rebounding, the Bearcats faced challenges in field goal efficiency, missing several attempts from beyond the arc. A late layup by Peyton Gardner brought them within one point, but Bushnell sealed the game with a fast-break layup and final free throw, ending the quarter with a 51–49 victory over Willamette.

In their next game, the Bearcats will host Western Oregon on Friday, Nov. 21. The matchup is set to tip off at 7 p.m.