Willamette falls to Whitman

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette fell to Whitman, 69-60, at Cone Field House on Saturday. The Bearcats' effort included 26 points in the paint and an 80% success rate from the free-throw line, but they struggled to overcome a 13-point deficit. Whitman capitalized on 48.1% shooting from the field and maintained the lead for nearly 30 minutes of the contest.

The first quarter began with both teams trading leads, as Willamette quickly found the net with a three-pointer from Emma Floyd at 9:09, assisted by Peyton Gardner. Despite efforts to maintain momentum, turnovers hindered further scoring opportunities. The Bearcats' defense was tested, as Whitman capitalized on fast breaks, contributing to their scoring advantage.

Willamette responded with strategic plays, including a layup by Riley Walden at 2:51 and a three-pointer from Gabbie Wilson at 1:52, keeping the game within reach. However, Whitman's efficiency at the free-throw line extended their lead. The quarter closed with Whitman leading 20-13, as the Bearcats aimed to regroup for the next quarter.

Willamette started the second quarter with a key momentum shift, initiated by Kaitlin Imai's layup assisted by Addie Hiler, narrowing the gap. Hiler contributed significantly, scoring a layup and a 3-pointer with assists from Leia Mata, helping the Bearcats take a brief lead.

Despite Whitman's efforts to regain control, including a successful 3-pointer by Avery Neal, Willamette's Walden responded with a tying jumper at 4:11. Whitman pulled ahead with a series of successful shots, including a 3-pointer by Kaella Peters, extending their lead. However, the Bearcats remained persistent, with a late 3-pointer from Leia Mata, assisted by Imai, closing the quarter with Willamette trailing 36–32.

Willamette began the third quarter with a critical 3-pointer from Walden, taking a narrow lead. A defensive stop by Gardner set up Daisy Boling-Schmidt for a layup, keeping the score tight. Whitman responded with a timeout after Alexis Dockter's jumper extended the Bearcats' lead to five points.

Willamette maintained pressure with contributions from the bench, including a key layup by Hiler. In a tense final minute, Imai converted two free throws to regain a one-point advantage, but Whitman's Holly Morgan scored a layup with five seconds left, giving the visitors a one-point edge. The Bearcats' final attempt missed at the buzzer, and the quarter closed with Whitman leading 49–48.

Whitman opened the fourth quarter with a strong offensive display, taking the lead with a layup by Avery Neal just 33 seconds into the quarter. Despite Whitman's early momentum, the Bearcats' defense managed to produce three steals, including a key takeaway by Imai at 5:30, which led to a jumper by Gardner, assisted by Wilson.

Whitman maintained control with back-to-back three-pointers from Holly Morgan, extending their advantage. Willamette responded with successful free throws from Hiler and a late three-pointer by Floyd at 1:57, assisted by Walden. However, Whitman's scoring consistency, including a late free-throw conversion by Emma Lena Baker, secured their lead.

The quarter concluded with a three-pointer by Dockter in the closing seconds, but Whitman held on to win the quarter 20–12, ending the game with a score of 69–60 in favor of the visitors.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will host Whitworth on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. The game will take place in Salem, Oregon, as the team looks to build momentum on their home court.