Willamette washes away Pacific

FOREST GROVE, Ore. — Willamette University (7-10, 4-4 NWC) defeated Pacific University (8-9, 3-5 NWC), 65-55, at the Stoller Center. The Bearcats secured the victory with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Pacific 28-10. The team capitalized on turnovers, converting them into 16 points, while recording 13 3-pointers. Despite a late push by Pacific, which scored 22 points in the final quarter, the Bearcats maintained their lead to seal the win.

Willamette opened the first quarter with a solid offensive showing, highlighted by their ability to convert key shots. Emma Floyd initiated the scoring with a 3-pointer, and Kaitlin Imai followed with a series of successful jumpers, capitalizing on defensive stops. The Bearcats maintained momentum with efficient passing, resulting in five assists, and Riley Walden contributed with a crucial 3-pointer at 2:33. Defensively, the Bearcats limited Pacific to only 5 of 17 from the field, including a blocked shot by Walden early in the quarter. The visiting team also forced four turnovers, culminating in a steal by Floyd with 22 seconds left. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats leading 17–10, establishing a seven-point advantage.

Willamette started the second quarter by extending their lead with early points from the paint, as Gabbie Wilson scored on a layup at 9:14, assisted by Dockter. Daisy Boling-Schmidt contributed at the free-throw line, adding to their score. A timely 3-pointer from Walden at 7:17 further boosted their advantage, capitalizing on a fast break. Despite efforts from Pacific to close the gap with consistent scoring in the paint, the Bearcats maintained pressure. Walden's jumper at 6:29 bolstered their position, despite turnovers that allowed the home team to narrow the margin late in the quarter. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats holding a slim 28-23 advantage over Pacific.

Willamette opened the third quarter with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by a series of 3-pointers. Floyd and Walden contributed significantly to the scoring, each hitting from beyond the arc, propelling the team to a substantial lead. Peyton Gardner's playmaking was instrumental, providing multiple assists to keep the momentum in the Bearcats' favor. The Bearcats limited Pacific to low shooting efficiency, while dominating on the boards with 10 rebounds. Midway through the quarter, the Bearcats' bench added valuable points, further extending the lead. By the close of the third, the Bearcats had built a commanding 56-33 advantage.

In the final quarter, Pacific gained momentum early with a fast break layup by Shaade Williams, followed by a successful free throw from Karina Franco, reducing the deficit. The Bearcats responded with a 3-pointer from Walden, maintaining a comfortable lead. Despite turnovers, the Bearcats' defense held strong, with Boling-Schmidt and Wilson recording crucial steals. Imai contributed with a layup off a fast break to extend the lead further. Late in the quarter, Addie Hiler iced the game with two free throws, ensuring the Bearcats' lead remained out of reach. The quarter concluded with the Bearcats holding a 65-55 victory.

In their next game, the Bearcats will host George Fox on Tuesday, January 27. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at their home venue in Salem, Oregon.