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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bucs clinch tourney berth

Cassie Pilkinton scored 11 of her 20 points in the second half and the Whitworth women’s basketball team (13-11, 9-6) used a 71-69 victory over host Whitman (11-13, 6-9) in Walla Walla to clinch a Northwest Conference tournament berth for the first time in five seasons.

Adding 12 points for the Pirates was Leah Pomante, whose free throw with 12 seconds left gave them a four-point lead that held up as the Missionaries were limited to a pair of free throws.

The Pirates turn their attention to Linfield in the season finale, with a chance to catch third-seeded Lewis & Clark still possible with a win Saturday.

Men

Wade Gebbers hit 6 of 12 attempts from 3-point range and finished with a career-best 20 points to lead four players in double figures as seventh-ranked Whitworth (22-2, 15-0) earned its 21st consecutive win with a 70-57 victory over Whitman (12-12, 6-9) in Walla Walla.

Whitworth held Whitman scoreless for the first 7 minutes and without a field goal for the final 6 minutes.

The Pirates hit 9 of 24 first-half 3-pointers and built a 13-point lead by halftime.