Women's Basketball | 1/3/2013 9:22:00 PM

Box Score

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon women's basketball team put together a strong defensive effort against Seattle Pacific; however, the Wolves were unable to complete a second-half rally as they fell to the Falcons, 72-65, in Great Northwest Athletic Conference action on Thursday night. With the loss, WOU fell to 5-8 on the season, 0-3 in league play, while SPU improved to 8-2 overall, 3-0 in league play.

Lorrie Clifford and Mariah Durian led WOU in the loss as the duo each netted 14 points for the Wolves. Chantel Divilbiss add 13 points and six assists for WOU while Melissa Fowler added 10 and five assists.

As SPU grabbed an early lead, WOU managed to stay in the contest on the defensive end, forcing 12 first-half turnovera to trail, 33-28, at the break. The Falcons extended the lead to 11 early in the second half; however, the Wolves answered with a 16-6 run to climb with one-point at 49-48 with eight minutes remaining.

SPU managed to regain control; however, and went on to claim a seven-point win as the Falcons were aided by a 32-18 edge in points in the paint and a 44-23 margin on the glass.

The Wolves gave themselves a chance to win due to an aggressive defensive effort that saw WOU force 20 turnovers and limit SPI to just 40.0 percent from the floor in the second half. Dana Goularte led WOU with three steals while hauling in eight reboounds as Durian also added three steals for the Wolves. The Falcons finished the night 24-of-54 from the floor (44.4 percent) while WOU shot 27-of-61 (44.3 percent) from the field.

Suzanna Ohlsen led SPU and all scorers with 17 points while Katie Benson added 14 for the Falcons.

WOU will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 5, when the Wolves host Montana State Billings at 1:00 p.m.