Lilley, Oregon end Cougars’ season

Taylor Lilley scored 20 points, hitting four 3-pointers, to lead Oregon to a 66-45 win over Washington State in the opening game of the Pacific-10 Conference women’s basketball tournament at San Jose, Calif.

Ellie Manou added 15 for the seventh-seeded Ducks, who advanced to play No. 2 seed California today in the second round.

The Cougars were eliminated.

With her team trailing by seven points early in the second half, Lilley, a sophomore guard from Newhall, Calif., sparked a 9-2 run with a jump shot and a 3-pointer as Oregon tied the game at 32 with 16:30 left in the game.

The Ducks then zipped off an additional 10-4 scoring run – which included another 3-pointer from Lilly – to take a 42-36 lead, an advantage they didn’t relinquish.

Oregon used its superior height and strength to outrebound the Cougars 37-25. The Ducks also outshot the Cougars, 48 percent to 36 percent from the field and 8 of 19 from long range.

Manou was 7 for 9 from the field and led all rebounders with 11. Micaela Cocks added 13 points for the Ducks, who improved to 14-16 on the year.

Washington State ended its season at 5-25.

North Idaho 76, Salt Lake 67: The Cardinals advanced to the title game of the NJCAA Region 18 tournament with a victory over the Bruins at Twin Falls, Idaho.

Kia Gibson led four Cardinals in double figures with 16 points. Cassie Pilkinton added 15, Shaneya Valdez 12 and Lindsay Wimett 11 for NIC (22-9).

The Cardinals will face top seed Southern Idaho in the title game tonight.

Salt Lake (23-8) was led by Michelle Pace with 20 points.

Men

Southern Idaho 119, North Idaho 93: Seven Golden Eagles (30-1) scored in double figures in a victory over the Cardinals (20-12).

David Johnson scored 19 for NIC, which ended its season.