Women’s Basketball Edged In Overtime

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Despite a gritty effort, the Whitman College women’s basketball team dropped its second consecutive game, falling in an intense 66-61 overtime battle against The University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the final game of the Kim Evanger Raney Memorial Classic on Saturday at the Sherwood Center. The Blues fought valiantly and had opportunities to secure the win in overtime, but costly turnovers and missed shots proved decisive down the stretch.​

Avery Neal and Jordan Leith both posted team highs of 14 points for the Blues (2-2) with Leith nailing shooting 4-7 from beyond the arc. Holly Morgan chipped in seven points and a game-high eight points.

Ella Mackiewicz put up game highs of 17 points and eight boards for the Pioneers who won both games of the Classic.

Whitman came out strong, building early momentum and taking a 15-12 lead after the first quarter. The Blues’ energy on both sides of the ball set the tone, with Neal and Morgan Montgomery connecting on key baskets and the defense limiting second-chance opportunities for Platteville.​

The second period saw the visitors respond with stifling defense and efficient inside scoring. Whitman struggled to maintain its rhythm, managing only 12 points while Platteville put up 16 to take a narrow 28-27 lead at halftime. Despite the challenge, Whitman stayed within striking distance by sharing the ball and getting contributions from the bench.​

After the break, Whitman regrouped and edged ahead again, outscoring Platteville 14-10 in the third. The quarter featured a balanced attack, with the Blues finding lanes to the basket and drawing fouls. As the game intensified, both teams traded baskets and defensive stops and Whitman entered the fourth quarter ahead 41-38.​

The game’s tempo escalated as each possession gained importance. Whitman extended its lead to as many as eight points, but Platteville mounted a comeback with a series of unanswered baskets and crucial stops. The Blues’ offense went cold in the final minutes, and after several late possessions with a chance to win, the teams were tied 51-51 at the end of regulation.​

In overtime, Platteville executed with precision, outscoring Whitman 15-10. The Blues had openings to retake the lead but turned the ball over and missed critical free throws and layups. Platteville capitalized, pulling away in the extra session to secure the 66-61 victory. 

The Blues will play away from the Sherwood Center for the remainder of 2025, first heading to Colorado College for the Colorado College Thanksgiving Classic.
 

#GoWhitman

Read Full Article