Jan. 13, 2007

Whitworth Holds On, Defeats Pacific Lutheran, 63-60

Game Statistics

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Whitworth women's basketball team hung on to beat Pacific Lutheran University, 63-60, in Northwest Conference action Saturday night at the Whitworth Fieldhouse.

With the win the Pirates improve to 10-5 on the season, 4-2 in the NWC and just one game back of first place. The Lutes, who have lost three of their last four games, slip to 8-6 overall, 3-3 in conference play.

Freshman Leah Pomante hit two clutch free-throws with just 19 seconds left that gave Whitworth a 63-60 lead. The Lutes had a chance to tie the game but Kyle Haag's three-point attempt at the buzzer hit off the front rim, giving Whitworth its first win over PLU since Feb. 13, 2004.

The Lutes led 40-31 early in the second half but Alida Bower sparked a 14-3 run that put the Pirates on top, 45-43. Bower had eight points during the run, including two three-pointers. There were five ties and four lead changes over the final nine minutes before a Susan McDaniel jumper gave the Pirates the lead for good at 61-60. After PLU failed to convert on its next possession, Pomante stepped to the line and sank both free throws, and the Pirates were able to hang on for the win.

The Lutes were in control early, taking a 31-27 halftime lead behind eight points from Nikki Johnson. McDaniel was a force for the Pirates, scoring 11 first half points which included her first three-pointer of the season.

Johnson, the reigning NWC Player of the Year, led the Lutes with 21 points and nine boards. PLU center Kezia Long added 11 points and 10 boards for her fourth double-double of the season.

McDaniel finished with game high of 22 points and 10 rebounds, her fifth double-double of the season. Bower poured in 18 points, hitting 4-of-8 shots from behind the arc. The Pirates finished 7-of-16 from long range while the Lutes failed to make a three-pointer, missing all nine of their attempts.

- PLU -

(Courtesy Whitworth Sports Information Office)