TACOMA, Wash. - Emma Janousek put up 20 points in her final home game as a Lute but the Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball squad was unable to overcome a sluggish start, coming up short 70-59 against Northwest Conference rival Willamette University on Senior Day inside Olson Gymnasium.

The Lutes (10-13, 5-9 NWC) trailed by as many as 18 points in the third quarter and were staring at a 58-42 deficit heading into the final quarter before mounting a 13-2 run to start the fourth to pull within five points. Janousek kick-started the fourth quarter comeback, hitting a jumper just 21 seconds into the frame. Megan Drake would can the next seven points, stringing together a three, a jumper and a pair of free throws while a Toni Thibert three with 4:28 remaining close the gap to just 60-55.

PLU's deficit remained five with 75 seconds left but a Kassin Hopkins jumper followed by six consecutive free throws was enough for the Bearcats (13-10, 7-7 NWC) to escape with the win.

Ryan Pearson catches up with @pluwbb seniors Emma Janousek and Kylie Rademacher postgame #GoLutes pic.twitter.com/741dHHww4w

— PLU Athletics (@golutes) February 16, 2020

PLU dug itself into an early hole, allowing Willamette to finish the opening quarter on a 16-7 run to enjoy an 11-point advantage. The Bearcats owned a 38-26 halftime advantage before opening up an 18-point buffer with 7:22 left in the third quarter.

Janousek finished with 20 points, six assists, and three steals to pace the squad while Drake added 15 points, draining a trio of threes on the afternoon. Toni Thibert tacked on 14 while Kylie Rademacher added six points, and a team-high five rebounds.

PLU struggled from the floor, shooting just 36.4 percent (24-for-66) for the game while Willamette shot at a 53.2 percent clip (25-for-47), including hitting 75 percent (six-for-eight) of its three-point attempts in the opening quarter. PLU's pesky defense generated 23 Willamette turnovers, owning a 14-9 edge in points off turnovers.

Saturday's game was senior day with the Lutes honoring Emma Janousek and Kylie Rademacher who have helped build up the program over the past four seasons, going from winning one game as first years to posting the program's first winning season since 2008-2009 last year. Janousek currently sits fifth all-time in both assists (304) and steals (188) while Rademacher heads into the final week of the regular season with 363 career points and 288 career rebounds. 

The Lutes close out the regular season next weekend in Oregon, facing Pacific University on Friday evening and Lewis & Clark College on Saturday.