Kelsey Bumgarner, Whitworth Sports Information Intern

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SPOKANE, Wash. - Whitman regained sole possession of second place in the Northwest Conference women’s basketball standings on Friday night by defeating Whitworth 61-54. Whitman shot 50% from the field in the second half to overcome a 14-point first half deficit and never gave it back.

Cassie Pilkinton

Natalie Orrell (Jr., F, Wenatchee, Wash.) opened the game with a three-point play and Leah Pomante (Jr., G, Colbert, Wash.) followed with a layup as Whitworth went up 5-0. Liz Horiatis (Jr., C, Woodinville, Wash.) scored six points in an 11-3 run by the Pirates to gain their largest lead of the night at 23-9 with under eight minutes left in the half. The Missionaries began to come back slowly, led by Jenele Peterson and Anna Forge with two baskets each. Jessica Brice made a last-second three to bring Whitman within four at 31-27 to end the half.

Jennifer Keyes opened the second half with a quick three-pointer that brought Whitman within one. The Bucs continued to fight for their lead as Cassie Pilkinton (Jr., G, Chelan, Wash.) came alive and scored two threes and a jumper, putting Whitworth up 44-39. However, the Missionaries went on a 9-2 run to take the lead for the first time 48-46 with 9:14 left to play. Whitman then gained a seven point lead after Anna Forge made a jumper and a free throw. Whitworth attempted to come back by fouling and putting Whitman in the bonus, but a couple of made free throws by Peterson solidified the lead and the game ended 61-54.

Pilkinton led the Pirates with 16 points and seven rebounds. Orrell added 12 points and shot 6-7 (85.7%) from the free thrown line. Horiatis put in 10 points and grabbed six rebounds. The Bucs shot 50% (4-8) from behind the arc. But after making 42% of its shots in the first half, Whitworth only made 26% (7-27) after halftime.

Peterson scored 14 points for the Missionaries. Keyes added nine, and both Rebecca Sexton and Forge had eight points; Sexton also pulled down eight rebounds. Hilary White led the Missionaries in rebounds with ten. After shooting 34% in the first half, Whitman made 50% (13-26) from the field in the second half.

Whitworth next travels to Portland to take on Lewis & Clark at 6 pm on Friday night while Whitman follows them and plays Lewis & Clark on Saturday at 4 pm.