Pacific Pulls Away Late to Defeat Bearcats, 72-60

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Molly Fillion (Sr., G, Silverton, OR/Silverton HS/Linn-Benton CC) and Keilyn Fujioka (So., Post, Kailua, HI/Iolani School) each recorded a double-double for Willamette, but it wasn't enough as Pacific University pulled away late for a 72-60 victory over the Bearcats, on Friday, Feb. 13 at Cone Field House. Pacific improved to 9-13 overall, 8-6 in the Northwest Conference. Willamette fell to 4-15 overall, 3-10 in the NWC.

Fillion finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Fujioka earned 10 points and a team-high 14 rebounds. Nicki Clowdsley (So., Post, Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS) added 12 points for the Bearcats.

Pacific was in front 35-31 at halftime, but Willamette rallied to tie the game, 39-39, on a three-point play by Fillion with 15:01 remaining in the game. The teams remained close until the closing minutes, when the Boxers gained a decisive edge.

Willamette led 56-55 following a layup by Fujioka with 5:28 left. The game was tied 60-60 at the 4:05 mark.

The Boxers outscored the Bearcats, 12-0, the rest of the way. Pacific created its run by hitting 10 of 12 free throws in the final 3:49 to go along with a layup by Julianne Erbe.

When Erbe scored with 2:18 remaining, she gave the Boxers a 65-60 advantage. Pacific secure the win by sinking seven free throws down the stretch.

Erbe topped all players with 23 points and 19 rebounds. She was 8 of 14 from the field and 7 of 9 at the free throw line. Kayla Akers provided the Boxers with 12 points, while Rochelle Reeves tallied 11. Erica Schultz contributed 10 points and nine boards.

Eight Bearcats and seven Pacific players each scored during the first half. There were six ties and five lead changes prior to the intermission. The Boxers were in front 33-25, with 2:26 left in the stanza, but Willamette used four points from Fujioka and two from Fillion to end the half with a 6-2 run.

Reeves of Pacific led all scorers at the break with nine points. Akers added eight points for the Boxers, while Fillion topped the Bearcats with seven.

Fillion's double-double was her sixth in a row and 11th of the season. She leads the Northwest Conference in scoring with 14.4 points per game and rebounding with 10.9 boards per contest.

Fujioka's rebounding performance was her best since rejoining the Bearcats this semester. She earned her career high for rebounds during her freshman season in 2006-07, when she hauled down 15 boards against Western Oregon University and California State University-East Bay.

Willamette plays at home again on Saturday, Feb. 14, when the 'Cats will host Lewis & Clark College. Game time is set for 6 p.m. (PST). WU lost at L&C, 54-49, on Jan. 17.