TACOMA, Washington (February 1, 2025) – Logger men's basketball (9-10, 4-6 NWC) defeated the third ranked Whitman Blues (8-11, 6-4 NWC) 80-73 in a scrappy matchup tonight. 

The Blues got off to a quick start, going up on the Loggers 14-5. This lead was extended to nine as the Blues led 24-15. A 12-point scoring run by Liam Ruttledge brought the Loggers back into the game, and with six minutes remaining, the score was tied at 27. The teams exchanged leads, but the Blues were able to edge out the Loggers and take a four-point advantage into halftime.

To start the second half the Loggers scored 12 unanswered points that put them in the drivers seat for the rest of the game. The Blues closed the gap to four points but couldn't get any closer. With less than a minute remaining, the Blues began fouling the Loggers in an effort to regain possession, but that allowed the Loggers to keep their seven point lead through the final whistle.

Hugo Rutherfurd led the Loggers with 19 points, including five free throws, and eight rebounds. Rutledge added 16 points, while Zane Miller contributed 15. Taj Phillips and Will Pohland each grabbed seven rebounds.

The Loggers will travel to Oregon next weekend to face Linfield on Friday at 6 p.m. and Pacific on Saturday at 4 p.m.