Sadie Pilgeram totaled a career-best 20 rebounds in the win. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
SALEM, Ore. – The Corban University women's basketball team pulled out a narrow three-point win on Friday evening in the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center, needing late free throws to seal a 41-38 Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) triumph over Multnomah. For the Warriors, the win brings them to .500 overall on the year.
Junior forward Sadie Pilgeram (Helena, Mont.) had a fantastic day on the boards for Corban, putting together the third-best single-game performance ever for the Warriors. Pilgeram totaled a career-best 20 rebounds on the night, dominating down low. She also scored 10 points for her sixth double-double of the year.
On a night where the Warriors shot just 23.8% offensively and only 7.7% from beyond the arc, it was their defense that won them the game, holding Multnomah to just a 25.0% shooting effort overall. Multnomah's 38 points also marks Corban's best defensive effort of the year and the first time holding a team to below 40 points on the campaign.
In a tight back-and-forth battle down the stretch, it was two clutch free throws from Corban senior guard Julia Young (Snohomish, Wash.) that sealed the win for the Warriors. After the two free throws with less than 20 seconds on the clock, Multnomah had one last opportunity offensively, but Corban got the defensive stop it needed, ultimately going on to win by three points after one more free throw.
"The Warriors had to depend on their defense tonight as our offense struggled from the field," said Corban University head coach Dave Bale. "Sadie did a great job on the boards, grabbing 20 total and notching six on the offensive end, and ultimately, we won the stat that counted."
On top of Pilgeram's double-double, senior guard Jade Lowery (Oregon City, Ore.) scored 14 points for the Warriors, while freshman forward Jordan Rasberry (Clackamas, Ore.) chipped in six points with three boards.
For Multnomah (3-14, 1-8 CCC), Lacie Kamper led the way with eight points and eight rebounds, while Lexi Govert and Miranda Schmillen recorded six points apiece.
Corban (9-9, 4-5 CCC) returns to the hardwood tomorrow night when it hosts Warner Pacific College. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.