THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Addyson Gallatin's three-point attempt from the top of the arc banked out as time expired, allowing host California Lutheran to hold off visiting Whitworth 63-60 in a non-conference women's basketball game on Wednesday afternoon.
The Regals (4-3) outscored the Pirates (3-6) 16-10 in the fourth quarter to pull off the win and keep Whitworth without a victory on its three-game California trip.
The first half ended 11-11 as both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm. The Pirates made 4-17 (23.5%) from the field, while CLU made 5-17 (29.4%). The Bucs' Ashlyn Peterson made both of her free throws to account for the tie.
Whitworth was able to take a 31-28 halftime lead after getting going offensively in the second quarter. Gallatin hit a pair of three-pointers in the period to help spark the Pirates, who made 7-15 (46.7%) from the field and 5-9 (55.6%) from beyond the arc.
Just over four minutes into the third quarter Julianna Jeross hit a three-pointer to give Whitworth a 41-31 advantage, it's largest lead of the game. The lead was still nine points (46-37) after another three by Jeross two minutes later. CLU went on a 10-1 run to get within 48-47 on a three-pointer by Sydney Heyn with under a minute to play, but Peterson was fouled in the final seconds and made both for a 50-47 Whitworth lead.
The Regals continued their momentum into the final period, outscoring the Bucs 8-2 over the first three minutes to go ahead 55-52 on a three-pointer by Janna Holley. CLU appeared to seal the win when Holley got another three to make it 63-57 with under a minute to play. Skylar Tuckwood's three-pointer cut the lead in half and Whitworth was able to for a turnover with 5.9 seconds to play. Gallatin got the inbounds and, after looking for an open teammate, had to fire her attempt from the top of the arc while well-guarded.
Peterson led Whitworth for the second game in a row with 17 points, while Jeross had 15 and Gallatin came off the bench for 10. Gallatin also led the Pirates with nine rebounds and five assists. Mya Bair had eight boards. Whitworth finished the game 20-63 (31.7%) from the floor, 11-40 (27.5%) from three-point range.
Cal Lutheran outrebounded the Pirates 48-34. Sara Mills led the Regals with 20 points, while Alline Ballard grabbed 21 rebounds.
Whitworth, looking to break a four-game skid, is off until January 3rd when the Pirates open their Northwest Conference schedule at home against Pacific Lutheran.
