Bearcats victorious over Pirates

SALEM, Ore. — Willamette University (8-12, 5-6 NWC) secured a 60-46 victory over Whitworth University (4-15, 3-7 NWC) at Cone Field House. The Bearcats outscored their opponents 20-4 in the second quarter, establishing a lead they maintained throughout the game.

Willamette began the first quarter by trading early scores with Whitworth, with Riley Walden contributing a layup to keep the score level at 2-2. The teams exchanged leads multiple times, highlighted by Peyton Gardner's fastbreak layup, assisted by Kaitlin Imai, which tied the score at 4-4. Gabbie Wilson's layup then gave the Bearcats a temporary 6-4 advantage.

As the quarter progressed, Whitworth managed to pull ahead with a series of layups, pushing their lead to 12-6. The Bearcats responded with a crucial 3-pointer from Leia Mata with 33 seconds remaining, cutting the deficit. The quarter concluded with a defensive stop leading to a buzzer-beating layup by Gardner, bringing the score to 12-11 in favor of Whitworth.

Willamette seized control in the second quarter, embarking on a 9-0 run that included key contributions in the paint. Mattie Thompson ignited the momentum with a jumper at 9:31, assisted by Mata. The Bearcats capitalized on Whitworth's turnovers, scoring 10 points off these opportunities, while adding 12 points in the paint overall.

Imai delivered a standout performance, scoring a layup and a three-pointer, contributing to a lead expansion mid-quarter. Whitworth struggled from the field, converting only 1 of 11 attempts, while the Bearcats maintained efficiency with 9 of 14 shooting, including 2 three-pointers. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats leading 31-16, showcasing a strong defensive and offensive effort.

The third quarter began with Whitworth narrowing the gap, scoring consistently in the paint. The Bearcats responded with solid playmaking, highlighted by Gardner's jumper assisted by Walden at the 9:30 mark. Both teams traded possessions, with Whitworth capitalizing on a few defensive plays.

The Bearcats maintained their edge through efficient shooting, with Imai and Wilson contributing key field goals. Despite Whitworth's attempts to close the gap, the Bearcats managed to keep their lead intact, ending the quarter ahead 45-33.

The Bearcats opened the fourth quarter with a strong defensive and offensive presence. Addie Hiler hit a 3-pointer early on, assisted by Imai, pushing the Bearcats further ahead. Gardner continued the momentum with another 3-pointer, extending the lead while also contributing defensively with key rebounds and a block.

Whitworth attempted to close the gap with a 3-pointer by Ashlyn Peterson, but the Bearcats responded with scoring from Imai, who completed a three-point play to maintain the lead. The quarter saw the Bearcats securing defensive rebounds and converting free throws, with Imai adding two more in the final minutes. The Bearcats concluded the quarter ahead, finishing with a score of 60–46.

In their next game, the Bearcats will travel to take on Puget Sound on Friday, Feb. 6. The matchup is set for 5:30 p.m. at a venue in Tacoma, Washington.