FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Supported by a dominant performance from Hugo Rutherfurd, the Puget Sound Loggers held off Pacific University for an 81-76 victory in Northwest Conference action on Saturday night at the Stoller Center.  

Rutherfurd was nearly unstoppable, pouring in a game-high 34 points on 14-for-22 shooting while grabbing eight rebounds and blocking six shots. His clutch play down the stretch helped the Loggers (11-10, 6-6 NWC) maintain their lead in the final minutes, fending off a persistent Boxers squad.  

Zane Miller posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds while adding nine assists, just one shy of a triple-double. Taj Phillips contributed 10 points and eight assists, while Liam Ruttledge and Will Pohland each added seven points, with Pohland knocking down two key three-pointers.  

The game remained close throughout, featuring six ties and seven lead changes. Puget Sound held a slim 39-38 advantage at halftime before using their 54.2% shooting effort in the second half to pull away. The Loggers dominated in the paint, outscoring Pacific 54-26 inside while winning the rebounding battle 39-38.  Pacific (10-11, 5-7 NWC) struggled to keep up with Puget Sound's efficiency, shooting just 39.7% (27-for-68) from the field.  

With the win, Puget Sound moves back to .500 in conference play and will look to build momentum in its next matchup against Pacific Lutheran in Parkland on February 11th.