Willamette bests Pacific Lutheran

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (5-8, 2-2 NWC) defeated Pacific Lutheran University (1-12, 0-4 NWC), 80-61, at Cone Field House, leading from the opening quarter and maintaining control throughout. The Bearcats' offense was highlighted by 11 three-pointers and a 36-point effort in the paint, while their defense forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 17 points. The Lutes matched scoring in the second quarter but could not close the gap, despite a 15-point contribution from second-chance opportunities.

Willamette began the first quarter with strong offensive execution, quickly finding success in the paint and beyond the arc. Riley Walden was instrumental in scoring efforts, hitting two 3-pointers, including one in the closing seconds of the quarter. Kaitlin Imai also contributed with a key 3-pointer, as the Bearcats capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks to maintain momentum. A series of successful possessions, highlighted by assists from Peyton Gardner and Daisy Boling-Schmidt, extended Willamette's lead. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats holding a commanding 25–12 advantage.

The second quarter began with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Imai's early layup. The Bearcats maintained momentum with Addie Hiler and Walden each hitting key three-pointers, extending the home team's lead. Pacific Lutheran responded with efficient shooting, including successful layups and a three-pointer by Sydney Reisner, keeping the score competitive. Despite this, the Bearcats' defense forced multiple turnovers and capitalized on fast breaks, with Imai securing a steal and converting it into points. As the quarter closed, Willamette sustained its lead, ending with a 47-34 advantage.

Willamette opened the third quarter with a significant scoring surge, highlighted by Gardner's fast-break layup, extending the lead to 49–34. Emma Floyd added a 3-pointer at the 7:49 mark, further solidifying the advantage. The Bearcats maintained defensive pressure to limit the Lutes' chances. Imai contributed key points with a layup and a successful free throw, pushing the lead to 57–39. Leia Mata and Imai continued to convert opportunities, keeping the momentum in Willamette's favor.

The Bearcats maintained control in the fourth quarter, starting with a key 3-pointer by Alexis Dockter at the 7:44 mark, extending their lead to 70-48. Walden followed with a layup, assisted by Mattie Thompson, pushing the score to 72-48. The Bearcats continued to capitalize on opportunities, with Thompson adding another layup off a fast break, assisted by Imai, making it 74-50.

Despite Pacific Lutheran's attempts to close the gap, including a 3-pointer by Lilli Williams, the Bearcats' defense remained resilient. Dockter's clutch free throws increased the lead to 76-53 at the 3:21 mark. Hiler contributed late with a layup, securing an 80-59 advantage. The quarter concluded with Willamette maintaining their comfortable lead, ending the game with a score of 80-61.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will host Puget Sound on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. at their home court in Salem, Oregon.