By Jake Bilyeu, PLU Sports Information Student Writer
PARKLAND – The Pacific Lutheran women's basketball team returned home following three straight road games to host Willamette Friday night, and a fourth-quarter Bearcat run gave the visitors a 64-61 Northwest Conference win over the Lutes at Names Family Court.
The Lutes started very well in the first quarter, opening up a 15-7 lead early after a 3-point shot by Samantha Kelleigh. Willamette pulled within three a few minutes later, but the Lutes boosted their lead late in the quarter with a 5-0 run to head into the second ahead 24-16.
PLU continued to shine early in the second, stretching its lead to as many as 12 points after back-to-back 3-pointers by Kaelyn Voss made it 32-20 with 7:03 to play. After Willamette rallied to within six, the Lutes followed with five straight to again take an 11-point lead with three minutes to go before halftime. However, the Bearcats closed the half with the final nine points to shrink the Lutes' lead to two at 38-36 going into the break.
Willamette took the lead on a 3-pointer to open the third and led by as many as five points midway through, but the Lutes continued to fight back and reclaimed a 50-49 lead with two minutes remaining. After Willamette scored four straight and just as the quarter was about to end, Kelleigh hit another 3-pointer to tie it up at 53 heading into the final period.
The Lutes began the quarter with four straight points, but Willamette worked its way back into a two-point lead on a 3-pointer from Kylie Towry with 3:41 to play. Willamette took a four-point lead late into the final minute before an Ionna Price 3-pointer pulled the Lutes back within one with five seconds on the clock. Whitney Anderson's free throws pushed the lead back to three for Willamette with four seconds remaining, and Anna Hurd's half-court attempt at the buzzer hit the top of the backboard to close out the game.
The Lutes shot 55.6 percent overall (15-of-27) and 57.1 percent from 3-point range (4-of-7) in the opening half before ending the night at 41.4 percent overall (24-of-58) and 37.5 percent from long-range (6-of-16). Megan Abdo led the Lutes with 15 points and seven rebounds. She was backed up by Price and Kelleigh, who each had 12 points. Kelleigh also led the team with five assists, and Price led with three blocks. Voss totaled 10 points for the Lutes.
PLU will be back in action next weekend, as the Lutes host George Fox Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a Saturday matchup against Linfield at 4 p.m.
