Box ScorePhoto GalleryPlay-by-Play BroadcastMcMINNVILLE, Ore. - Sara Villanueava dribbled the length of the court before scooping in a layup with 0.2 seconds remaining, lifting Lewis & Clark to a stunning 52-51 Northwest Conference victory over Linfield Friday night at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
After Linfield (4-16, 2-9 NWC) was forced into a shot clock violation on its previous possession, Lewis & Clark (13-7, 7-4 NWC) had one last chance. With 5.6 seconds and the ball being inbounded under their own basket, the Pioneers had enough magic to send the ‘Cats home heartbroken.
Megan Spence inbounded the ball to Villanueava just outside the three-point line, allowing the shifty guard to get a full head of steam. Villanueava did the rest, sprinting into the paint before knifing between two Linfield defenders.
Villanueava’s shot kissed softly off the glass and through the net as the buzzer sounded. Once the officials placed 0.2 seconds back on the clock, Linfield was unable to get a shot off.
Villanueava, who scored 11 points in the game, was just 1-of-8 from the floor prior to her game-winning shot.
With Linfield leading 20-16 coming out of the break, both teams traded punches throughout the second half. Kristina Williams sparked the Pioneers early in the half, scoring 10 of Lewis & Clark’s first 11 points, trimming Linfield’s lead to 29-27 less than six minutes in.
The Pioneers continued to grind, finally taking a 41-39 lead on 3-pointer from Talerra Rich with 6:23 to play.
Kelsey Forrest (Sr., Mossyrock, Wash.) answered back on the next possession with a 3-pointer of her own, giving the ‘Cats a lead they would own until the final second.
Nadra Evans (Sr., Astoria, Ore.) provided Linfield two clutch free throw with 1:47 left, putting the Wildcats ahead 51-48. Neva Hauser scored 24 seconds later to bring the Pioneers back within one.
The two clubs exchanged empty possessions, giving the ‘Cats the ball back with 41 seconds left. Electing not to foul, Lewis & Clark looked for a final stop.
As the shot clock wound down, the Pioneers attempted to foul Wildcats guard
Gina Engelson (Soph., Salem, Ore.). In trying to commit a foul, Lewis & Clark knocked the ball free, allowing the shot clock to expire.
With 5.6 seconds remaining, Villanueava did the rest.
Suffering through a 26.6 percent shooting night, Lewis & Clark made up for it with its ability to rebound. The Pioneers outrebounded the Wildcats 52-31. With 26 offensive rebounds, Lewis & Clark converted 18 second-chance points.
The Pioneers made 14-of-19 free throws while the Wildcats converted just 5-of-8 attempts.
Early on both clubs struggled to find their rhythm on the offensive end of the floor. Lewis & Clark got off to an especially slow start, shooting 3-of-21 to start the game.
After a Hauser free throw trimmed the Lewis & Clark deficit to 9-8 with 12:07 on the clock, Linfield’s 2-3 zone defense held the Pioneers scoreless until a Villanueva free throw with 4:36 remaining.
The nearly eight-minute drought allowed the Wildcats to build an 18-8 advantage that was capped off by a 3-pointer from Engelson.
The Pioneers salvaged a horrific shooting half in the final minutes, trimming the deficit to 18-14 following scores from Spence and Williams.
Williams paced the Pioneers with a game-high 16 points and nine rebounds. Spence added 13 points.
Forrest led Linfield with a team-high 12 points.
Gretchen Owens (Soph., Glendale, Ore.) helped out with 11 points.
NEXT: Linfield returns to action Saturday evening when the ‘Cats play host to Willamette.
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