PARKLAND, Wash. – Olivia Mayer posted a career-high 29 points and her sixth double-double of the season to lead visiting Whitworth to an 84-76 win at Pacific Lutheran in a Northwest Conference women's basketball game on Saturday night at Olson Auditorium.
The Pirates (3-4 overall, 1-1 NWC) survived their worst first quarter of the season to break a three-game losing skid. The Lutes fell to 0-6, 0-2.
Whitworth made only 3 of 21 shots in the opening quarter, including 1 of 12 from three-point range. PLU was able to take advantage by opening an 18-8 lead after a 10-0 run that included five points by Ashley Akamine. Mayer scored the final basket of the quarter to get the Bucs within 18-10.
Whitworth continued to chip away in the second quarter and the Bucs took their first lead (23-22) on Kimberly Dewey's basket halfway through the period. The teams traded leads eight times over the final five minutes of the half until Mayer's free throws in the last minute put the Pirates ahead 33-32 at the break.
Mayer took over in the third quarter, scoring Whitworth's first 12 points of the period and 17 overall. The Pirates made 11 of 22 from the field in the third quarter, including 6 of 10 from three-point range, to score 32 points. It is the most points in any one quarter this season for Whitworth. Mayer banked in a three-pointer in the final seconds to give the Pirates a 65-53 lead.
Sydney McLean's three-pointer halfway through the fourth period gave Whitworth a 72-56 lead, the Bucs' largest of the game. PLU fought back with a 10-0 run over the next three minutes to get within 72-66, but Mayer answered with a three-point play. The Lutes closed within six two more times, but Whitworth went 9 of 10 at the free throw line in the final 1:20 to secure the win.
Mayer added 10 rebounds, four steals and two blocked shots to her career-high in points. She surpassed her previous career high of 24. McLean also posted a career-high with 14 points, hitting four three-pointers. Dewey totaled 11 and four assists.
After starting 3 for 21, Whitworth finished the game 23-71 (32%), including 11 of 34 (32%) from three-point range. The Pirates were strong at the free throw line, making 27 of 33 (82%). Whitworth also outrebounded PLU 43-37.
Akamine had her own double-double for the Lutes with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Ava Edmonds finished with 18 and nine. PLU made 25 of 62 (40%) from the floor, 4-8 (50%) from beyond the arc.
Whitworth will break for final exams before taking a non-conference trip to California for three games Dec. 18-21.
