SALEM, Ore. — The Linfield Wildcats clinched a spot in the four-team Northwest Conference tournament with a hard-fought 54-45 victory over Willamette on Friday night at Cone Field House. The win improved Linfield to 18-4 overall and 9-4 in conference play, marking the second-most wins in program history, just one shy of the record 19 wins set during the 1979-80 season.
"I'm really proud of our ability to stay calm when Willamette went on a run in the 4th," said head coach,
Casey Bunn-Wilson. "We made some adjustments defensively and really showed patience within our offense. We were able to knock down a couple threes when we really needed them, but our team defense and rebounding down the stretch made a big impact tonight."
Linfield's defense shined, holding Willamette to just 27.1% shooting from the field. The Wildcats also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Bearcats 47-35, led by
Gillyan Landis' eight rebounds and
Eve Burke's seven. Burke added eight points, five assists, and three blocks in a strong all-around performance.
Allie Mead led the Wildcats with 12 points, including a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to extend Linfield's lead.
Miki Vermeulen contributed nine points, six rebounds, and a key buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the third quarter to reclaim the lead after Willamette briefly went ahead.
The game was tightly contested, with Linfield holding a narrow 36-34 lead late in the third quarter when Willamette's Gio Horner hit a three-pointer to give the Bearcats their first lead since the opening period, but Vermeulen's clutch shot swung momentum back in Linfield's favor. The Wildcats pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Willamette 15-8 behind timely baskets and stifling defense.
Linfield's bench also made an impact, with
Tana Hoekema scoring six points and
Jayden Ray adding five. The Wildcats' ability to capitalize with 11 second-chance opportunities and play suffocating defense proved decisive.
With the win, Linfield secured its place in the NWC tournament, continuing a historic season under Bunn-Wilson. The Wildcats will look to build on their momentum as the end of the season approaches.
NEXT
Linfield returns to action on Saturday against Lewis & Clark in Portland. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.