SPOKANE, Wash. - (Chris Johnson, Whitworth Intern) The Whitworth women's basketball team hung on to beat Pacific Lutheran University 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 slip to 8-6 overall, 3-3 in conference play.

McDaniel had 22 points and 10 rebounds

Freshman Leah Pomante hit two clutch free-throws for the Pirates with just 19 seconds left that gave Whitworth the 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 the Pirates the victory. It is the first time Whitworth has beaten 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 from the elbow gave the Pirates the lead for good at 61-60. After PLU failed to convert on their next possession the freshman Pomante stepped to the line and calmly sank both free-trows and the Pirates were able to hang on for the win.

The Lutes were in control early leading taking a 31-27 halftime lead behind Nikki Johnson's 8 points. McDaniel was a force for the Pirates, scoring 11 first half points which included her first three-pointer 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 and 8 rebounds, 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, going 0 for 9. Johnson, the reigning NWC player of the year, led the Lutes with 21 points and 9 boards. PLU center Kezia Long added 11 points and 10 boards for her fourth double-double.

The Pirates return to NWC action on Tuesday when they will host the Whitman Missionaries at 6:00pm. PLU is on the road again, taking on Linfield on Friday.