Pacific Lutheran University Athletics

TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University women's basketball team was unable to overcome a Texas sized helping of free throws as visiting Howard Payne University made 31 trips to the charity stripe and emerged from Olson Gymnasium with the 70-54 victory on Sunday afternoon.

The homestanding Lutes (1-1) led 8-5 midway through the first half thanks to a Brooke Chisholm three but the Yellow Jackets (1-0) scored 10 of the final 11 points in the quarter, owning a 15-9 lead after 10 minutes of play. 

Howard Payne pulled away in the second quarter, building a lead as great as 18 and taking a 35-22 edge into the halftime break. PLU kept the Yellow Jackets in check from the floor in the first half, limiting the visitors to shooting just 26.7 percent (eight-for-30) and a paltry 7.1 percent (one-for-14) from three point range. HPU was able to make up for that at the free throw line, making 27 trips to the charity stripe, making more free throws (18) than the Lutes had attempts (six) over the opening two quarters. 

PLU outscored the Yellow Jackets 22-15 in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to six on a Kate Wooten jumper heading into the final period. 

A Lilli Williams trey with 6:30 remaining made it a five point game but the Yellow Jackets responded by scoring 15 of the final 19 points to hold on for the win.

"Free throws were a big factor in the first half. They attempted 27 from the line which put us in a tough position early, but we showed a lot of grit, continued to compete, and battled back a bit in the second half," said Head Coach Aly Lacey. 

"Moving forward we need to work on being more consistent for 40 minutes. We'll take the lessons from today and get back to work as we prepare for Texas. We're excited to get back to practice."

Three Lutes finished in double figures with Wooten leading the way, dropping 15 points while also grabbing eight rebounds. Williams had 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists with Kylie Griffin chipping in 13. Brooke Chisholm hauled in a team-high nine rebounds while adding seven points and two blocks on the day. 

HPU won the turnover battle 21-7 and finished the game with more free throws made (21) than the Lutes had attempts (15).

The Lutes hit the road next weekend, battling Austin College on Friday night in Sherman, Texas.