Whits top Whitman

It wasn’t a flawless shooting performance, but it was just about the next closest thing.

Alida Bower poured in 18 points, and Whitworth rode its blistering shooting touch from the perimeter to a 74-58 victory over rival Whitman in a Northwest Conference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at the Whitworth Fieldhouse.

The two teams entered the contest tied for third in the NWC, but Whitworth (11-5 overall) gained a one-game edge at 5-2 in conference play. The Missionaries slipped to 9-7 overall and 4-3 in the NWC.

Bower made 4 of 6 attempts beyond the 3-point arc to pace the Pirates’ combined 10-for-15 effort, matching the team’s season-high number of 3-pointers posted against Pacific on Dec. 1. Whitman had no answer for the Pirates’ long-range barrage and made only 1 of 10 shots originating outside the arc.

Natalie Orrell added 16 points for Whitworth, which made 26 of 44 field goals (59.1 percent) overall. The Pirates converted 15 of 21 attempts (71.4 percent) in the first half en route to a 43-22 cushion at intermission.

Katie Patneaude led the Missionaries with 15 points.

Jason Shoot