WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Visiting Whitworth could not overcome its own mistakes in a 68-58 loss to Whitman in a Northwest Conference women's basketball game on Tuesday night at the Sherwood Center.
The Pirates (4-10 overall, 1-4 NWC) committed 24 turnovers, leading to 26 points off those turnovers for the Blues (8-5, 3-2).
The Pirates fell behind in the first quarter thanks to seven turnovers that led to nine points for the Blues. After Whitworth took a 4-2 lead in the opening minutes, Whitman went on a 14-2 run to go ahead 14-6 on a bucket by Kara Marecle. The Blues led 20-12 after one quarter.
The Bucs committed six turnovers in the second quarter, but those led to only two points for Whitman. Whitworth improved its shooting to 45.5% (5-11) in the period, despite making only 1 of 5 from three-point range. The Pirates got within 24-20 and had two chances to cut the margin further after defensive stops, but both times Whitworth gave the ball back to Whitman. The Blues led 30-23 at the break.
Mayer scored the first basket of the second half to get the Pirates within 30-25. Whitman answered with an 8-0 run to open a 38-25 lead on a three-pointer by Carly Martin. The Blues eventually led by 16 (49-33) at the end of the period. Whitman continued to take advantage of Whitworth turnovers, scoring eight more points off the Pirate mistakes.
The Pirates continued to fight in the final quarter, getting within 63-54 with two minutes left in the game on Mayer's basket. Similar to the first half, Whitworth had two chances to cut the margin even further, but turnovers ended those possessions.
Mayer finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds for her 12th double-double of the season, which leads all of NCAA Division III. Dewey added 14 points and five boards. No other Pirate had more than five points. Whitworth made 21 of 48 (44%) from the field, but only 4-17 (24%) from three-point range. The Pirates had a slight 28-26 edge on the boards.
Linsday Drago led Whitman with 16 points, while Elena McHargue scored 15. Korin Baker finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. Whitman made 44% (24-55) from the field, and 20% (2-10) from beyond the arc. The Blues had 17 assists on those 24 made baskets.
Whitworth will look to end a five game losing skid when the Pirates host George Fox on Saturday at the Fieldhouse.
