PORTLAND, Ore. – The Multnomah University women's basketball couldn't find an offensive rhythm on Tuesday night as they fell to Whitman College 83-39 in the final game before Cascade Collegiate Conference play starts next week.
 
The Lions drop to 2-5 on the year with three losses coming against Northwest Conference schools while Whitman improves to 3-0, all against CCC schools.
 
Junior guard Miranda Schmillen was the top performer for the Lions, recording 11 points while shooting 5-of-5 from the free throw line. Leading down low for MU was Michaela Weller who finished the night with seven boards and added three points and a steal.
 
As the team, the Lions shot their highest ever free throw percentage at 83.3 percent, going 10-of-12 overall.
 
For Whitman, four players finished in double figures in points, led by Hailey McDonald with 16 and Casey Poe with 14 points.
 
"Whitman is a great team and they helped us learn a lot tonight. We all know that this year will be full of learning experiences, so we will continue to give our best effort and get better," said head coach Tim Bieri. "I'm proud of the way we shot the ball from the free-throw line and our effort in the second half was much better."
 
The Lions struggled to find anything offensively, giving up 25 turnovers to Whitman's 13. Whitman also dominated in the paint, grabbing 48 total rebounds, with 23 offensive rebounds.
 
MU will open up their first ever CCC season on Tuesday night at home as they welcome in Warner Pacific to start of conference play.