MINNEAPOLIS – Pacific women's basketball battled Minnesota in the second round of the WNIT, coming up short by a score of 77-62 on Tuesday at Williams Arena.
 
Pacific (19-15) had three players score in double figures. Graduate student Cecilia Holmberg led the Tigers with 14 points while grabbing rebounds. Junior Anaya James finished with 12 points along with a game-high seven assists and three steals. Senior Liz Smith registered 10 points and three assists.
 
Minnesota (17-15) jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Out of a timeout, Pacific responded with eight unanswered points. Freshman Nyah Lowery drained a three that brought the Tigers within two at the 5:30 mark, 10-8. However, the Gophers pulled away with a 12-4 run to go up 22-12 at the end of the first.
 
Minnesota continued to build its advantage in the second, taking a 22-point lead at 3:30. Sophomore Lauren Glazier and Holmberg scored the final two baskets of the first half to make it a 40-22 game.
 
Junior Elizabeth Elliott registered a layup off an offensive rebound and two free throws to start the third. James hit a jumper from outside the paint while Smith contributed two free throws to bring Pacific within 12, 42-30. Unfortunately, it was the closest the Tigers could get in the second half
 
Pacific shot 24-of-52 (.462) from the field and 3-of-12 (.250) at the three-point line. Minnesota was 30-of-66 (.455) overall and 6-of-22 (.273) from behind the arc. Both teams had 11 made free throws.
 
The Tigers end the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 overall record.

Final from Minneapolis.

Minnesota 77, Pacific 62

Proud of all that we accomplished this season!!??#PacificProud pic.twitter.com/oMbbStuUn5

— Pacific Women's Hoops (@Pacific_Hoops) March 27, 2024

 
NOTES
- Pacific finishes the season with 19 victories for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
 
-The Tigers registered a 12-5 record at the Spanos Center this year which was the most home wins since the 2012-13 season.
 
-Pacific has scored 60 or more points in 33 of its 34 games.
 
-Holmberg was the leading scorer for the fifth time this season and recorded her 22nd double digit point performance.
 
-James was a double figure scorer and assist leader for the 25th time this year. She has led the Tigers in dish outs in 11 of the last 12 games.
 
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#PacificProud