Women’s Basketball Continues Strong Season With Eyes On The Playoffs

Linn-Benton Women’s Basketball has had an amazing season thus far, bolstering a 13-5 overall record and having an eye on the NWAC playoffs in the meantime. After going on a three game losing skid, The Roadrunners have won two straight and look to keep the ball rolling as they progress into conference play. They rank first in the NWAC in blocks, led by freshman post player Allison Killion, who stands at 6’4 and has 57 total blocks on the season. Their post presence plays a big part in their success, as the 37 rebounds per game ranks in the top 20 of the NWAC and opens up more offensive opportunities. The Roadrunners got one vote in the recent coaches top 25 poll, but their conference play has slowed them down thus far, holding a 2-3 record.

The Roadrunners are apart of a crowded south division, holding 6th place despite their strong overall record. Ahead of them are four teams with 12 or more wins, including the unstoppable Umpqua who sits at 19-0. The Roadrunners faced the Riverhawks this past week, falling short 56-43. Sophomore Amyr Lowe and Marri Anna-Martinez both led the team with 12 points, despite low shooting percentages. Linn-Benton shot an ice cold 2-23 from downtown, which played in part to their struggles. They regathered themselves quickly against a struggling Portland Panther’s squad, who stands at 1-10 overall and 0-5 conference, winning 68-38. Lowe once again led the shooting charge with 19 points on 7-13 from the field. The Roadrunners head of steam didn’t end there, as they recently outmatched the Clark College Penguins 73-41. Clark also falls at the bottom of the NWAC food chain, holding a 5-11 record with an 0-5 record in conference.

Just one game behind the fourth and final spot in the NWAC playoff race, the seasoned Roadrunners will need to give the remainder of the season their all. Their next few games are huge, facing the 8-10 Southwestern Oregon Lakers and then the 12-6 Mt. Hood St. Bernards. These two games are crucial due to the strength of schedule heading into February, wins will be at a premium, and solidifying wins will only help bolster their playoff bid. The success of this season wouldn’t be finished right without a playoff berth, and the Roadrunners will need to make a heavy push to make sure they indeed grasp a postseason berth.

Story by Cam Hanson