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WALLA WALLA, Wash. – In a showdown between two of the Northwest Conference’s top teams, the Whitman College women’s basketball team delivered in winning time.
Trailing at the half and locked in a tight battle late, Whitman found another gear in the final 20 minutes to pull away for a 77–68 win over the University of Puget Sound on Saturday afternoon at Sherwood Center. The victory lifts the Blues to 11–6 overall and, more importantly, 6–2 in Northwest Conference play, pulling them level with the Loggers for second place in the conference standings.
Guard Holly Morgan headlined the effort with a game-high 17 points, providing timely scores throughout the afternoon and key baskets down the stretch as Whitman closed the door on the visitors. She added six rebounds and was active defensively, helping the Blues string together stops in the fourth quarter.
Around her, Whitman spread the production. Kaella Peters sparked the second-half surge from deep, while fellow starter Emma Lena Baker gave the Blues toughness and touch inside, chipping in scoring and work on the glass. Point guard Morgan Montgomery repeatedly pressured the UPS defense by attacking the rim and drawing contact, turning trips to the free-throw line into crucial points as the game tightened late.
Whitman came out strong, riding early energy on both ends to an 18–11 lead after the first quarter. Puget Sound answered in the second, heating up from the field and outscoring the Blues 22–13 to take a 33–31 advantage into the break. Coming out of the locker room, however, Whitman seized control.
The Blues exploded for 25 third-quarter points, fueled by crisp ball movement and a barrage of perimeter shooting, to flip the scoreboard and carry a 56–51 edge into the fourth. From there, Whitman’s defense and composure at the free-throw line took over, as the Blues outscored the Loggers 21–17 in the final frame and pushed the margin to double digits in the closing minute.
Whitman’s balance ultimately proved too much. The Blues matched the Loggers on the boards and turned hustle plays into momentum, cashing in second-chance opportunities and controlling the tempo in transition.
With back-to-back victories, the Blues now head on a three-game road trip with games at Willamette, Pacific and Whitworth.
#GoWhitman
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