By Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

SALEM, ORE. -- Lewis & Clark College relied on solid defensive play to defeat Willamette University, 61-40, on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at Cone Field House, as the Pioneers remained undefeated in Northwest Conference play. The Pioneers upped their record to 11-3 overall, 5-0 in the NWC. L&C climbed into first place in the NWC with their victory, one-half game in front of George Fox University (4-0). Willamette moved to 2-12, 0-5 in the conference.

The Bearcats grabbed a 5-3 lead on a jumper by Alex Zennan (Jr., G, Sammamish,WA/Eastlake HS) with 18:26 remaining in the first half. It was the last lead that WU would have during the game. Lewis & Clark went on a 32-13 run to close the first half and head into the locker room with a 35-18 advantage.

A combination of good defensive play and poor shooting by both teams translated into a slow second half. WU and L&C combined to score just 11 points in the first 10 minutes of the half. Physical play throughout the game by both teams resulted in 44 fouls and 45 total free throws.

Lewis & Clark held Willamette to 24.5% field goal shooting for the game. WU shot just 28.6% (2-7) from the three point line and 54.5% (12-22) from the free throw line. The Bearcats committed 23 turnovers in the game.

Willamette's defense forced the Pioneers to have 27 turnovers of their own. The Bearcats capitalized by scoring 15 points off of turnovers.

The Bearcats were led by sophomore Kaileigh Westermann (P, Belfair, WA/South Kitsap HS). Westermann scored ten points and grabbed five rebounds. She was 3 of 4 from the field and 4 of 4 at the free throw line.

Senior Nicki Clowdsley (Post, Sammamish,WA/Skyline HS) scored seven points, hauled down four rebounds and earned three steals in just 16 minutes of play. Zennan added ten points and four rebounds for WU.

Kristina Williams paved the way for Lewis & Clark with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Megan Spence added 13 points and five rebounds.

Willamette closes out the week with a game at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore., on Friday, Jan. 15. Game time is set for 8 p.m. (PDT). George Fox is currently 11-2 on the season.