Southern Oregon Sweeps Season Series Over Walla Walla
College Place, Wash. – Walla Walla women's basketball hosted Southern Oregon University again on Friday afternoon. Despite holding the Raiders to the fewest point total in the history between the teams, the Wolves could not overcome the Raider offense. The Raiders forced the Wolves into 24 turnovers to lead them to a 70-58 victory, improving to 6-2 in conference play while keeping the Wolves winless.
In a more defensive opening period, the Raiders held a slim 16-11 lead after ending the period on a 6-2 run in the last minute. The Raiders registered 10 points in the paint to help them build their lead. The Wolves, slowing the game down to limit the Raiders offense, shot only seven shots during the period while knocking down 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
The Raiders extended their lead out to 17 in the second period, as the visiting team took a 37-21 lead heading into the half, holding the Wolves to three points in the final four minutes. Six Raiders recorded five or more points to lead a balanced offensive first-half attack, receiving 13 points from their bench.
The Raiders continued to maintain their double-digit lead to open the second half, pushing the lead out to 19 midway through the third period. The Wolves chipped away, however, cutting the deficit to single digits as they put together a quick 8-0 run. Carolina Montes, returning from a five-game absence, dropped in five points during the run. The Raiders answered, ending the third period on a 9-3 run to push the lead back to double-digits at 51-37.
The Raiders pushed the lead back out to 19 in the early stages of the fourth period, but the Wolves scraped back into the game again, cutting the deficit to 11 at 68-57 after Paulina Quintana went 2-for-2 from the free-throw line with two-plus minutes remaining. Despite a comeback effort, the Wolves ran out of time and the Raiders swept the season series between the teams.
Three Raiders recorded double-digits, led by Dominique Harding and her 19 points and seven rebounds.
The Wolves were led by the duo of Carolina Montes, who scored all 22 points in the second half, and Jacqueline Saucedo (11 points and six rebounds).
Walla Walla will pick up action again next Saturday, January 18 when they travel to Caldwell, Idaho to take on The College of Idaho. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (MST). Southern Oregon will head home and host Oregon Tech (RV) on Tuesday, January 14 at 5:30 p.m. inside Lithia Motors Pavilion.