Bearcats cut down by Loggers

TACOMA, Wash. — Willamette University (8-13, 5-7 NWC) fell to the University of Puget Sound (17-4, 10-2 NWC), 68-57, in a league game at Memorial Fieldhouse. The Bearcats matched Puget Sound in the first and third quarters but were outscored 31-18 in the second, which proved decisive. The team secured 22 points in the paint and gathered 39 rebounds, with 14 coming from the offensive glass. Puget Sound capitalized on 11 steals and a 36-point performance in the paint to maintain their lead.

Willamette opened play with a focus on perimeter shooting, connecting on two 3-pointers, including a key shot from Gabbie Wilson, which helped close an early deficit. Riley Walden contributed by sinking a 3-pointer with an assist from Daisy Boling-Schmidt, narrowing the margin. The team maintained defensive pressure, resulting in six turnovers against Puget Sound, which allowed the Bearcats to capitalize on transition opportunities.

As the quarter progressed, Peyton Gardner made significant contributions, both offensively and defensively. Gardner hit a layup and was instrumental from the free-throw line in the final minute, converting four crucial free throws to erase the gap. The Bearcats finished the quarter strong, tying the game at 13–13, setting the stage for the next phase of competition.

Willamette opened the second quarter strong, with Wilson connecting on a 3-pointer to tie the score early. Emma Floyd added another 3-pointer to keep the team within reach, but Puget Sound responded with a series of successful shots, including a fast-break layup by Claire Thompson, to gradually extend their lead. Despite a series of turnovers and missed opportunities, the Bearcats capitalized on the free throw line, with Wilson and Boling-Schmidt each converting two free throws. However, Puget Sound maintained momentum with efficient shooting, highlighted by Hailey Quiggle's 3-pointer at the buzzer. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats trailing 44–31.

Willamette started the third quarter with a strong offensive push. Kaitlin Imai contributed significantly, scoring multiple layups. Gardner also added to the momentum, narrowing the gap early in the quarter. Despite Puget Sound's efforts to maintain their lead, the Bearcats' defense remained active, with Imai securing a steal and assisting on a layup shortly afterward. However, Puget Sound utilized free throws to extend their advantage. The quarter concluded with Willamette outscoring Puget Sound 14–13, yet the home team retained the lead at 57–45 by the end of the third.

Willamette initiated a strong push early in the fourth quarter with Wilson sinking a 3-pointer, bringing the score to 48. Gardner followed up with a fast-break layup assisted by Floyd, cutting the deficit to seven points. Imai's jumper kept the Bearcats within striking distance at 59–52 with just over eight minutes remaining. Despite efforts to close the gap, the Bearcats faced challenges as Puget Sound capitalized on offensive rebounds and free throws, extending their lead. Floyd provided a late spark with a 3-pointer and a layup, but the Bearcats were unable to overcome the deficit. The quarter concluded with Puget Sound holding a 68–57 advantage.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will face Pacific Lutheran on Saturday, Feb. 7. The game is set to tip off at 3 p.m. at Olson Auditorium in Tacoma, Washington.