TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team will host Willamette University on Saturday night inside Olson Gymnasium as they look to win its last home game of the year, stay in playoff contention, and honor its two seniors.

The Lutes (10-12, 5-8 NWC) are coming off a stretch where they played three games in five days going 1-2 in those games. The Lutes dropped their two matchups to George Fox University and Linfield College  last weekend before coming back on Tuesday night to win 67-62 over crosstown rivals University of Puget Sound to pick up the season sweep in the process. On Tuesday night the Lutes were dealt with a short roster with only eight active players, but they were still able to grind out a much-needed victory.

Senior guard Emma Janousek led the Lutes with 23 points and eight assists. Her most important basket of the night came with 24 seconds left in the game; as the shot clock was winding down, Janousek dribbled out of a double team and put up a three just before the shot-clock expired to give the Lutes a five-point lead. The Lutes were also able to get offensive production from Junior Megan Drake who tallied 15 points against the Loggers and senior forward Kylie Rademacher who dropped in 12 points for the Lutes.

On Saturday the Lutes will honor both Janousek and Rademacher on senior night. As their time as a Lute is coming to a close both seniors had the same favorite memory during their time on the team. 

"The trip we took to Puerto Rico our junior year was by far the best moment, not only to be able to play basketball but help out in the community is something we will always remember." 

For Rademacher being a senior leader on this team means "putting the needs of others before your own, constantly having the team's best interest in mind, and always being willing to do whatever you can and whatever it takes to better the experience and lives of those around you" she also said that being a leader on this team has been easy because of her passion for the sport and her teammates. 

With three games left in the regular season, Rademacher is looking forward to "going out and competing with my best friends no matter what the outcome will be" before she graduates and heads off to pursue becoming an elementary school teacher.

When speaking with Janousek about the final three games she said "I am excited to just savor every last game I get with Kylie Rademacher, our other senior. She has been a huge part of my experience in this program, and I don't know what I would have done without her. These last few games are just more opportunities to play the game I love with the people I love." 

For Janousek's post-graduation plans her time as a Lute may not be over quite yet. She is graduating with a BS in Biology with the hopes of becoming a teacher. However, she sat out her freshman year with an injury and has applied to PLU's Master of Arts in Education program where she may potentially use her final year of eligibility if the opportunity presents itself.

The game this Saturday will tip off at 4 p.m. against the Bearcats and the senior night ceremony will take place at the conclusion of the game.

Feb. 15: PLU vs Willamette inside Olson Gymnasium (4 p.m.)

Series History: The Lutes and Bearcats have met since the 1980-1981 season with the Lutes leading the all-time series 45-35. The Lutes have won two of the last three matchups against the Bearcats, but dropped the earlier matchup this season 57-52 at Willamette. In that game Emma Janousek led all players with 20 points. 

About the Bearcats: Willamette (11-10, 5-7 NWC) have lost six of their last seven games. Their last victory came on January 28th over Lewis & Clark. The Bearcats currently sit one game out of a playoff spot though as they started off conference play strong before struggling lately.

The Bearcats are led by senior Kassin Hopkins who is averaging 11.6 ppg this season and she has also been supported by freshman guard Sami Riggs who is averaging 10.4 ppg. The Bearcats emphasize sharing the ball as they average nearly 13 assists per game