Willamette University Saturday Morning Sports Recap

The Bearcat men will remain in California to take on Whittier College on Saturday.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

SALEM, Ore. - Here is a recap of Willamette University men's and women's basketball games played Friday night.

La Verne Rallies to Edge Willamette, 84-81

Willamette University held a 40-33 halftime lead, but the University of La Verne rallied in the second half to defeat the visiting Bearcats, 84-81, in a non-conference game on Friday.

Mike Smith led the Bearcats with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting. He connected on 5 of 9 three-point shots and had just one turnover in 28 minutes on the court.

Tain Cantrell just missed a double-double for the 'Cats, as he finished with 14 points and nine rebounds. Cantrell connected on 6 of 7 field goals. Ian Mansfield tacked on 11 points for Willamette. Kyler McClary and Corey Costantino scored 10 points each for the Bearcats.

Willamette point guard Robbie Kunke equaled a season high with seven assists. He also contributed seven points and five rebounds.

La Verne's top scorer was Drew Terry with 20 points. Terry also recorded nine rebounds. Robert Hughes scored 19 points, hauled down five boards and blocked three shots for the Leopards. Kyle Luhnow provided 11 points, three rebounds and two assists.

La Verne upped its record to 3-2, while Willamette dropped to 2-3.

The Bearcats will remain in California to take on Whittier College on Saturday. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. (PST).

Westminster Routs Lady Bearcats

Willamette University put up a strong battle against the highly-regarded women's basketball team from Westminster College (Utah) throughout the first half, but the Bearcats couldn't keep pace with the Griffins in the second half of an 82-56 loss, at the Westminster College Tournament on Friday.

The Griffins improved to 9-1 on the season. Willamette dropped to 2-5.

Willamette placed four players in double figures led by Laura Payne with 13 points. Alex Zennan and Fillion tallied 12 points apiece. Tracie Nygaard chipped in 11 points for the Bearcats.

Elisa Leader was one of four Griffins in double figures, as she scored 14 points. Kelsi Olsen added 13 points, Shannon Evans provided 12 points and Rachel Shippee tacked on 10 points.

The Bearcats will return to action on Friday, Dec. 7 and Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Oregon Institute of Technology Tournament in Klamath Falls, Ore. Willamette will open the tournament against Southern Oregon University on Dec. 7 and will play Oregon Tech on Dec. 8. Both games are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. (PST).

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