MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Western Oregon women's basketball team delivered one of its biggest wins of the season Thursday night, knocking off No. 13 Central Washington 66-57 inside the Wolves Athletic Center.
With the victory — coupled with a loss by Alaska Anchorage — WOU moved into sole possession of sixth place in the GNAC standings, holding a one-game lead for the final conference tournament berth with three games remaining.
Western Oregon (12-11, 7-8 GNAC) set the tone early and never trailed, shooting 76.9 percent in the opening quarter and building a 22-17 advantage after one. The Wolves stretched the lead to 43-30 at halftime behind a balanced offensive effort and 50 percent shooting from beyond the arc for the game.
Central Washington (22-4, 13-3 GNAC) trimmed the deficit to five in the fourth quarter, but Western Oregon answered each push. The Wolves held the Wildcats to 31.7 percent shooting and just 5-of-26 from 3-point range, closing out the victory at the free-throw line in the final minute.
Kylani Rookstool led the way with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists, knocking down three 3-pointers and sealing the game late at the free-throw line. Ciona Wells added 13 points and five assists, while Danyell Booker provided a spark off the bench with 11 points as the Wolves finished with 27 bench points.
Western Oregon returns to action Saturday at home against Northwest Nazarene at 2 p.m. for Senior Day.
