By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- The University of Puget Sound, ranked #23 by D3Hoops.com, defeated Willamette University, 62-51, in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Cone Field House. The Loggers upped their record to 14-1 overall and to 7-1 in the NWC. Willamette fell to 4-13 on the season, 2-6 in the NWC.

Willamette was led by senior guard Laura Payne (Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS), who scored a game-high 19 points. Payne was 6 of 10 from the field, including 4 of 8 on three-point shots.

Puget Sound received 17 points from Morgan Harter and 16 points from Marissa Cain. Harter also contributed seven rebounds and five assists, while Cain had five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

The Loggers scored the first five points, but the Bearcats held a 15-12 lead following a jumper by Jenny Fillion (Jr., Silverton, OR/Silverton HS/Linn-Benton HS) with 9:27 remaining in the first half. UPS scored the next 11 points and went on to take a 36-28 advantage at halftime.

WU pulled within 38-33 with 17:33 remaining, on a 3-pointer by Erin Barclay (Fr., G, Snohomish, WA/Bothell HS). The 'Cats also trailed by just five points, 47-42, after a trifecta by Payne with 12:24 left.

The next 10 points were scored by the Loggers, who maintained a double-digit margin over the final 9:23. UPS shot 42.9% for the game (21 of 49) and made 14 of 18 free throws (77.8%).

Willamette was 19 of 50 on field goals (38.0%), while hitting 6 of 20 on three-pointers (30.0%). The Bearcats were outrebounded by the Loggers, 34-31.

WU plays again on Friday, Feb. 1 at Whitman College. Game time in Walla Walla, Wash., is scheduled for 8 p.m. (PST).