The Park University Gilbert women's basketball team fell 79-67 to Southern Oregon University on Sunday afternoon at the PIFCU Activity Center in Lewiston, Idaho, as part of the Lewis-Clark State Classic. The loss moves the Buccaneers to 4-2 overall on the season.
Park came out strong in the opening quarter, trading baskets with Southern Oregon in a competitive start. The Buccaneers held a narrow 17-15 advantage late in the period, but Southern Oregon closed the quarter with a late push to take an 18-17 lead after the first 10 minutes.
The second quarter remained closely contested, with both teams finding their rhythm offensively. The Raiders extended their lead behind an efficient shooting performance, scoring 23 points in the period. Park answered with 19 points of its own, highlighted by four three-pointers, but Southern Oregon carried a 41-36 advantage into halftime.
The Buccaneers continued to battle after the break, keeping the game within reach throughout the third quarter. Park scored 21 points in the period, led by strong contributions from Allie Cummings, who knocked down two three-pointers and scored 10 points in the quarter. However, Southern Oregon added 24 points to maintain its advantage, entering the final quarter with a 65-57 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Southern Oregon managed to extend its advantage, using a strong offensive stretch to build a 13-point lead with just over five minutes remaining. Park continued to fight, but the Raiders maintained control down the stretch. Southern Oregon scored 14 points in the final period, while the Buccaneers added 10, securing a 79-67 victory.
Offensively, Allie Cummings led Park with an outstanding 21-point performance, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and knocking down two three-pointers. Sanaa Dennis contributed 10 points and eight rebounds, providing a strong presence inside. Cassie Coolidge and Madeline Jenkins added seven points apiece, with Jenkins connecting on two three-pointers. Jelissa Julmist finished with four points, while Kiley Bush contributed six rebounds and two blocked shots.
As a team, Park shot 39.7 percent from the field (25-63) and 25.8 percent from beyond the arc (8-31). The Buccaneers struggled at the free-throw line, converting nine of 18 attempts (50 percent). Southern Oregon also shot 39.7 percent from the floor (27-68), but finished 3-of-21 from three-point range (14.3 percent) and converted 22 of 30 free throws (73.3 percent).
The Buccaneers will look to bounce back on Tuesday, November 3, when the Buccaneers travel to Orem, Utah, to face Utah Valley University at the UCCU Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. AST.
