SALEM, Ore. -- Of the Lewis & Clark Pioneers 21 losses this season, 12 have come after holding leads at halftime. On Friday night, despite a barrage of 3-pointers by Willamette in the second half, Lewis & Clark closed out a 73-64 win over the Bearcats at Cone Field House.

Lewis & Clark built a 12-4 lead early, eventually ending the first half with a 34-23 advantage. Nine second half 3-pointers gave Willamette its first lead, 56-54, with 8:02 to go in the fourth quarter. Kylie Towry, who made four 3-pointers in the third quarter, put in back-to-back triples later in the fourth, and the Bearcats' lead grew to 64-60 after an Alex Wert jumper with 4:48 remaining.

Playing her final career road game, Lewis & Clark senior Kaitlin Mathewson made a pair of free throws before Sara Hogman made a three to bring the Pioneers back in front with 2:50 left. Another three, this one by Cianna Ochoco with 1:28 remaining, extended the Pios' lead to five, 69-64.

Willamette went 0 for 5 and committed three turnovers in the final 4:48 of the game.

"It feels great to finally get over the hump," said Lewis & Clark head coach Asha Jordan. "We're learning how to win and to trust that we have all the tools to weather the storms. We refocused tonight after Willamette took the lead and kept playing L&C basketball."

Miyah Leith had 11 first half points on her way to a team-high 23. She shot 7 of 12 overall, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range, to lead three players in double figures. Ayisat Afolabi, making her fourth consecutive start, scored 18 points and had 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double in 16 games this year. Mathewson finished with 10 points.

"It felt good to finally get over that hump and know that our hard work finally paid off in the end," said Leith. "Of course, it felt good to give Kaitlin a win before she leaves."

Lewis & Clark will recognize Mathewson (pictured right) with Senior Night festivities in the team's season finale on Saturday. Mathewson made 4 of 6 free throws and had seven rebounds against the Bearcats. The Pios hit 50 percent of their shots, while Willamette was 47 percent from the floor.

Towry finished with a game-high 24 points to lead the Bearcats.

The Pioneers held a 35-23 rebounding advantage including a 14-10 edge offensively. Lewis & Clark outscored Willamette 32-18 in the paint.

Lewis & Clark (3-21; 2-13 NWC) closes its season hosting Pacific on Saturday at 4 p.m. The Pios lost 64-53 in the team's first meeting after holding a three-point halftime lead.

Other Northwest Conference Scores - Friday

Linfield 77 , Pacific 56
Puget Sound 82, Whitworth 59
Whitman 97, Pacific Lutheran 90 (3OT)