ORANGE, Calif.— Chapman's late third quarter comeback and impressive defensive display in the final frame helped the Panthers edge visiting Whitworth 55-52 in a non-conference women's basketball game on Sunday evening.
The Pirates had a thirteen point lead in the third quarter, but the Panthers clawed back and held Whitworth to eight points in the final ten minutes to win at home.
Whitworth made only 4 of 17 shots in the opening frame, including 2 of 6 from the charity stripe. Chapman's seven turnovers limited their ability to take advantage of the Pirates slow offensive start, but ended the period up four.
A made three-pointer by Whitworth's Olivia Mayer capped a 7-0 run to start the second period and force a Panther timeout. Kimberly Dewey scored eight and Mayer's layup at the buzzer put the Bucs up 30-23 at the half.
Alyssa Fitzgerald's made jumper half way through the third period put the Pirates up 38-25 and gave Whitworth their largest lead at 13. A made jumper by Chapman's Julia Strand with 31 seconds remaining, brought the Panthers to within five to end the period.
Chapman continued to battle in the final frame and a made basket by Sammie Inana tied the game 47-47 with 6:54 remaining. Neither team could get a basket to fall until Mia Yamamoto's layup put the Panthers up two with 4:25 remaining. Sydney McLean answered with a made trey to put the Pirates up one. Whitworth found themselves down 55-52 with 15 seconds remaining after Chapman's Katie Kubo went 2-2 at the free-throw line and layup by Strand. The Bucs had an opportunity to draw up a play in the final seconds but Mclean's shot rimmed out.
Dewey led the Pirates with 14 points, including 3 of 6 from three, and seven rebounds. McLean finished with 13 points, including 3 of 6 from three and two rebounds.
Whitworth finished the game 20-61 (32.8%) from the floor, 8 of 23 (34.8%) from behind the arc, and made 4 of 10 (40.0%) from the charity stripe. The Pirates outrebounded the Panthers 45-35.
Strand led all-scorers finishing with 20 points and five rebounds. Kubo added 10. Chapman shot 37.5% from the floor (21-56) and were 1-5 (20.0%) from three. The Panthers were strong at the free throw line, making 12 of 15 (80.0%).
Whitworth will play Caltech on Monday at 2:00 PM.
