PORTLAND, Ore. – The Multnomah University women's Basketball closed out the final day of the MU Invitational against NCAA DIII Willamette University, a game that ended in a 89-65 close for the Lions on Saturday afternoon in Jim Skagen Court.
 
The loss ends the Lion's two game winning streak as they fall to 2-4 overall on the season while the Bearcats improve to 2-0.
 
Junior guard Miranda Schmillen had her breakout game of the season, recording a game high 19 points off of 6-of-13 shooting. Following her was senior forward Lexi Govert who tallied 18 points and added five rebounds.
 
Willamette jumped out to a quick five point lead in the opening quarter before working an 18-5 lead with just over two minutes remaining. The Bearcats were led by Marisa Hamilton with 18 points while Kylie Towry added 16 of her own.
 
"We have to give a lot of credit to the Willamette girls – they shot the ball well and really took care of things on the glass. I loved our energy throughout the game and how our girls never quit," said head coach Tim Bieri.
 
Willamette shot 48 percent from the field tonight while also shooting 43 percent from behind the arc.
 
The Lions were able to cut into the lead a little bit in the second quarter with the help of Bethany George who totaled 11 points along with a career high four blocks. In the closing minutes of the second quarter, MU cut the lead to single digits after consecutive three-pointers by George and Schmillen made it 38-29 heading into halftime.
 
MU guard Valerie Wakefield shot 4-for-6 on the night earning nine points while leading her team in rebounds with six while Katherine Edmonds finished with five boards.
 
The Bearcats won the battle under the basket, grabbing 50 total rebounds with 18 coming on the offensive end. Willamette earned 22 second chance points, fending off the Lions to keep a significant advantage throughout the night.
 
"We will continue to work on finishing in tight spaces and making sure we can squeeze those rebounds – but I'm confident that we will get there soon. It's great how we learn more and more each game and we will continue to get better," continued Coach Bieri.
 
The Lions will return to action on Tuesday night as they prepare for another home game against Northwest Conference opponent Whitman College at 6 p.m.