Willamette Victorious in Clash With Pacific Lutheran

PARKLAND, Wash. — Willamette University (9-13, 6-7 NWC) defeated Pacific Lutheran University (2-19, 1-11 NWC), 63-52, at Olson Auditorium. The Bearcats secured the win with a strong first quarter, outscoring the Lutes 27-12, and dominated the rebounding battle with a 50-35 advantage. They also controlled the paint, scoring 38 points inside compared to their opponent's 26.

The Bearcats opened the first quarter by leveraging a strong inside presence, scoring 18 points in the paint. The team capitalized on turnovers with three steals, converting these opportunities into points. Daisy Boling-Schmidt contributed significantly with key rebounds and a layup early on. The team extended its advantage with a 9–0 run midway through the quarter, highlighted by Kaitlin Imai's three-pointer and a successful free throw. Riley Walden's late three-pointer and Alexis Dockter's layup further solidified the lead. The Bearcats closed the quarter leading 27–12, effectively utilizing bench contributions and maintaining defensive pressure to limit the Lutes' scoring opportunities.

The second quarter commenced with Dockter hitting a three-pointer, assisted by Emma Floyd, setting an early tone for the Bearcats. Despite some missed opportunities, they maintained pressure on the offensive glass, securing six offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points. Mattie Thompson capitalized on these opportunities by converting two free throws early in the quarter. Although the Lutes responded with a few successful jumpers, the Bearcats controlled the tempo, maintaining their advantage through steady defensive rebounding. The quarter concluded with Dockter scoring a layup, assisted by Gabbie Wilson, with the Bearcats holding a comfortable overall lead.

The Bearcats began the third quarter with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by Imai's block at 7:00. Boling-Schmidt contributed significantly with an offensive rebound and layup, pushing the team forward. Despite missing several shots, the Bearcats maintained consistent offensive rebounding, leading to second-chance points, with pivotal contributions from Aasia Williams and Thompson in the latter minutes. The Bearcats' defensive efforts limited the Lutes' scoring opportunities, although the home team capitalized from the free-throw line.

The fourth quarter began with the Bearcats maintaining control through a layup by Thompson, assisted by Imai, extending their lead. Despite a scoring response from the Lutes, Walden capitalized on a defensive rebound to set up Wilson's fast-break jumper, keeping the momentum in their favor. Although the Lutes managed a few successful shots, the Bearcats maintained the lead, closing the quarter with a score of 63–52.

Looking ahead, the Bearcats will host Linfield on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in Salem, Oregon.