Jan. 5, 2008

Pioneers Hold On to Beat Lutes in Overtime, 70-67

Emily Voorhies - 20 points, 12 rebounds

Box Score

PORTLAND, Ore. - Kyle Haag, whose three-point basket near the end of regulation sent the game into overtime, missed a desperation three-pointer at the buzzer as Lewis & Clark defeated Pacific Lutheran, 70-67, in a Northwest Conference women's basketball game played Saturday night at Pamplin Sports Center.

PLU extended a 30-26 halftime lead to 11 points, 43-32, when Amanda Tschaunder made a layup with 14:43 remaining in the second half. Over the next five and one-half minutes, the Pioneers went on a 13-2 run, tying the score at 45-45 on a layup by Tallera Rich. A jumper by Crystal Castle gave the Pioneers a 54-51 lead, but the Lutes battled back, pulling to within one point, 56-55, on a pair of free throws by Nikki Scott. Haag hit her three-point basket to give the Lutes a one-point lead with 18 seconds remaining before Crystal Castle make one of two free throws to tie the game and send it to overtime.

After four more ties in overtime, the Lutes took a 67-65 lead on a pair of free throws by Melissa Richardson, but Shawna Castle hit a three-pointer from the corner with 26 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Pioneers a 68-67 advantage. Lewis & Clark's Kim Kittell blocked a jumper by Scott on the other end, and Crystal Castle hit two free throws with three seconds left for the game's final points.

With the victory, Lewis & Clark improves to 1-1 in Northwest Conference play. The Lutes, 7-4 overall, are now 0-2 in the conference with a road game Tuesday against No. 23-ranked Puget Sound.

Emily Voorhies made 8-of-10 shots from the field to lead the Lutes with 20 points, and she also grabbed 12 rebounds in perhaps her finest game in three seasons at PLU. With Voorhies leading the way, PLU out-rebounded the Pioneers, 44-36. Haag finished the game with 12 points and Melissa Richardson added 10 for the Lutes. Crystal Castle led the Pioneers with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

- PLU -