MCMINNVILLE, Ore. — Owning the lead for fewer than 10 minutes of the game, the Willamette Bearcats rallied from a 14-point deficit to force overtime, then surged to a 76-70 victory over the Linfield Wildcats Wednesday at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
 
How it played out
The Bearcats did not lead at any point during the third or fourth quarters, but used a 10-point run in the fourth quarter to tie the game with just under four minutes remaining. Paige Graham ended the spurt with two free throws and a three pointer, and it appeared as though the Wildcats would have just enough to hang on to win. But Kylie Towry converted on a pair of free throws with 11 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, forcing the extra period.
 
In overtime, Linfield hit just 2 of 9 shots and was awarded no free throw attempts. The Bearcats were slightly better, going 3 for 8 from the field. Willamette made 3 of 4 at the line, including two clutch charity tosses by Towry.
 
Stats comparison
The Wildcats outshot the Bearcats from the field, 67 percent to WU's 37 percent, and three-point range, 33 and 30 percent. Linfield outrebounded Willamette 51-33 but was unable to convert those advantages into a victory.
 
Bearcats box
Towry was the difference-maker for Willamete, scoring 28 points, grabbing five rebounds and recording three steals. Willamette forced 19 turnovers to help keep things close before pulling away in overtime.
 
Drew Farmer had three steals, six points and three assists, while Brittany Kochenderfer recorded 11 rebounds and three assists and six points. Ashley Evans also added 10 points and two steals.
 
Wildcat totals
Molly Danielson scored 14 points and recorded 15 rebounds while also dishing out two assists.
 
Danileson was joined by four other Wildcats with double-digit scoring. Graham added 11 points and six rebounds. Kory Oleson also recorded 11 points to go with two steals and four rebounds. Bailey McDevitt scored 11 points, grabbed five rebounds and added one blocked shot.
 
Point guard Erin Burns totaled four assists and three points while Audrey McMillian ended the night with 10 points and five rebounds.
 
Where they stand
The Wildcats drop to 5-7 overall and 1-2 in Northwest Conference action. And with the win, the Bearcats are lifted to 6-6, 2-1.
 
Next
The Wildcats remain at home for another NWC matchup against the Pacific Lutheran Lutes Friday at 6 p.m. at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.