Bearcats fall to DII Wolves in OT

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette fell to Western Oregon University, 88-81, in a tightly contested game that extended into overtime at Cone Field House. The Bearcats' balanced effort was highlighted by a 20-of-26 performance from the free-throw line and a 17-point contribution from second-chance opportunities. Western Oregon secured the win with a decisive 15-8 advantage in the extra period, overcoming a seven-tie contest that saw both teams exchange leads five times.

Willamette opened the first quarter with strong inside play, scoring eight points in the paint and converting on second-chance opportunities. Kaitlin Imai contributed early with a jumper, while Leia Mata's 3-pointer mid-quarter gave the Bearcats a slight edge. As the quarter progressed, the Bearcats' defense stifled Western Oregon, allowing only three field goals on 16 attempts. Riley Walden's late 3-pointer and a subsequent layup extended the lead. Willamette closed the first with a 19–9 advantage.

Willamette started the second quarter maintaining a slight lead. Imai contributed significantly to the scoring effort with a jumper and a layup, extending the lead to 24-16. Defensive pressure was key, with Addie Hiler and Gabbie Wilson each securing steals that prevented Western Oregon from gaining momentum. Midway through the quarter, the Bearcats' offense surged with contributions from Aasia Williams, who converted a layup and free throw, and Imai, who hit a 3-pointer to widen the gap. Despite Western Oregon's attempts to close in with effective outside shooting, Willamette's defense held firm with blocks from Mattie Thompson and Imai, maintaining a lead of 34-29 at the end of the quarter.

Willamette began the third quarter by extending their lead with a 3-pointer from Walden, who was assisted by Imai. Despite Western Oregon's response with a 3-pointer of their own, the Bearcats maintained their momentum, with Emma Floyd and Walden connecting again from beyond the arc. The home team capitalized on free throws, going 10-for-10 from the line in the quarter. Midway through the quarter, Willamette faced pressure as Western Oregon closed the gap to a single point at 44–43. However, the Bearcats responded with a series of successful free throws and a key jumper by Imai, pushing the lead back to 50–43. As the quarter wound down, Willamette held their ground defensively, allowing only one field goal in the final minutes while converting critical free throws. As the quarter ended, Willamette led 56–52, maintaining a slim advantage going into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter began with Western Oregon taking a slight edge as Enid Vaifanua completed a three-point play, giving the visitors a brief lead. The Bearcats responded with Daisy Boling-Schmidt's contributions in the paint, maintaining momentum with a layup followed by Walden's 3-pointer, which helped the home team reclaim the lead. Willamette's offensive push continued, as they extended their advantage to 71-62, with contributions from Mata and Boling-Schmidt at the free-throw line. Despite a late surge from Western Oregon, including two 3-pointers from Mya India Thomas, the Bearcats managed to hold firm, with crucial defensive rebounds from Boling-Schmidt and Walden. The quarter ended with the score tied at 73, as both teams struggled to break the deadlock in the final minute.

Willamette began the overtime period with a key layup from Walden at 3:50, leveling the score at 75. However, Western Oregon responded with a layup by Vaifanua at 3:09, reclaiming the lead. Despite efforts from the Bearcats, including a timely jumper by Walden at 2:16 to narrow the gap, Western Oregon maintained their advantage. Ciona Wells extended their lead with a 3-pointer at 1:45, and a series of free throws solidified their position. In the closing minute, Imai scored a layup to keep Willamette within reach at 84-81. However, Western Oregon capitalized on free throws, concluding the quarter with an 88-81 victory.

Willamette holds a 1-2 overall record. Western Oregon has a 2-1 overall record. In their next game, the Bearcats will face off against Walla Walla on Sunday, Nov. 23. The matchup is set for 10 p.m. as Willamette takes the role of the home team.