TACOMA, Wash. - Emma Janousek hit a pair of free throws with 3.8 seconds left and the Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team's defense buckled down for one final possession as the Lutes knocked off Northwest Conference leading Pacific University 61-58 on Saturday inside Olson Gymnasium.
The Lute win snapped the Boxers' nine game win streak in a see-saw battle that saw 12 lead changes and six ties with neither team ever holding a lead greater than six points
"We put four quarters of focus and determination together and we were solid minute-to-minute," said Head Coach
Jennifer Childress. "Our defense never let the momentum swings get away from us. If we didn't score we were in lock down until we did."
Visiting Pacific (13-4, 7-1 NWC) held a tenuous 51-50 lead with 2:09 remaining in the game before Janousek tied the game with a free throw 12 seconds later. The Boxers would never reclaim the lead the rest of the way. Tied at 53, Janousek hit a three the old fashioned way, sinking a layup and a free throw to give the Lutes the lead for good. PLU (8-9, 3-5 NWC) would hit five free throws in the final 26 seconds, including Janousek's with 3.8 seconds left to preserve the win.
PLU opened the game on a 6-0 run but the Boxers battled back, holding a 13-12 lead after one quarter of play. The Lutes held a 26-23 lead at the halftime intermission.
Janousek led the Lutes with 19 points and four assists, draining 10 of her 11 free throw attempts.
Kylie Rademacher adding 14 points and a team-best seven rebounds while
Katie Taylor added 13.
Hailey Marsh provided a spark off the bench, scoring seven points and securing six boards.
"Our offensive tempo was well balanced, attacking at the right opportunities and getting to the free throw line and sinking those shots."
PLU made a living at the charity stripe, hitting 24 of its 28 attempts (85.7 percent), including making 17 trips to the line in the final 10 minutes of play.
The Lutes remain at home next weekend, hosting Whitman College on Friday night at 6 p.m.
