Jan. 27, 2007

Johnson Has Big Game as Lutes Handle Willamette, 58-42

Game Statistics

Nikki Johnson - 19 points, 17 rebounds

SALEM, Ore. - Nikki Johnson led both teams with 19 points and 17 rebounds as Pacific Lutheran defeated the host Willamette Bearcats, 58-42, in a Northwest Conference women's basketball game played Saturday night at Cone Field House.

Johnson, a senior wing from Tenino, Wash., shots 8-of-18 from the field and grabbed eight of her rebounds on the offensive end. She had 10 of her rebounds in the first 20 minutes in helping the Lutes build a 27-11 lead at the intermission, and only late in the game did the Bearcats get as close as 14 points.

Pacific Lutheran led by as much as 28 points, 45-17, on a three-point basket by Kyle Haag at the 11:17 mark of the second period. Haag, a junior wing from Tumwater, Wash., hit 3-of-6 from long range and finished the game with 13 points. Kezia Long, a senior post from Federal Way, Wash., finished with eight points and 12 rebounds for the victors.

With the victory, its third straight, Pacific Lutheran improves to 11-7 overall and to 6-4 in the Northwest Conference. The Lutes are currently tied with the Whitworth Pirates for third place in the conference standings with six games left to play. With the defeat, Willamette is now 4-15 for the season and 2-8 in the conference.

- PLU -