ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Playing in the championship game for the last five seasons, the RV Washington University in St. Louis women's basketball team thrilled the crowd with an 83-70 win over Elmhurst in the 24th Annual McWilliams Classic title game on Saturday evening.

Junior Lexy Harris recorded her third double-double in as many games to start the season with 24 points and 15 rebounds. She was one of four Bears in double figures as junior Sidney Rogers (18), junior Jordan Rich (17), and junior Catherine Goodwin (13) each had more than 10 points in the contest.

The teams opened the game trading baskets and leads, with WashU holding an 8-7 lead after a Bluejay basket at 7:16 in the first quarter. After Elmhurst took their second lead of the game at 5:41, 9-8, WashU went on an 11-0 run, capped by a layup from Harris.

Elmhurst finally ended their scoring drought with a jumper at 1:00 after nearly five minutes. The teams then traded three-pointers in the final minute, and WashU led 22-14 heading into the second quarter.

Elmhurst started off the second quarter slowly chipping away at the lead, bringing it down to just a two-point lead, 26-24 with 6:21 remaining in the half. Only six more baskets were scored in the half, but it was in favor of WashU as the Bears pushed their lead back up to six, 34-28 at the break.

WashU scored early and often to start the third quarter, seeing their lead increase to 15 at 45-30 with 7:32 on the game clock. But over the next five minutes, the Bluejays cut the lead back down to the halftime lead of six at 49-43 in favor of the Bears. A basket with 12 seconds left in the period saw WashU lead just 52-48.

Elmhurst continued to chip away at the Bears' lead to start the fourth quarter, eventually taking their first lead since 9-8, as the Bluejays led 56-55. The lead was traded three more times before WashU grabbed it for the final time at 5:51, 64-62. The Bears' lead grew to as many as 16 with a pair of free throws by Rogers with 43 seconds left, before settling in for the 83-70 win.

Despite having 15 turnovers, the Bears had the advantage in points off turnovers 17-9. WashU also led in bench points 11-0, points in the paint 44-32, and fast break points 6-1.

For their efforts in the two games, Harris and Rogers were both named to the All-Tournament team. Harris was named the tournament MVP after recording two double-doubles, including 43 points and 27 rebounds in the two games.

WashU will have a quick turnaround as they host Greenville on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in the Field House. Tipoff with the Panthers is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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Elevating scholar-champions requires resources beyond the institutional budget. Through the W Club, generous alumni, parents, and friends provide unrestricted support that is essential to the extraordinary WashU student-athlete experience—and the ongoing growth and development of the department. Annual support for Athletics allows the Bears to consistently rise to national levels of competition and ensures that our student-athletes enjoy exceptional opportunities as they train, compete, and lead. To make a gift to the Annual Fund for Athletics, please visit our secure online giving form or contact the Athletics Advancement Office at athletics@wustl.edu.