SALEM, Ore. -- After a close first half, the Loggers cruise to a 93-63 win over the Willamette Bearcats, continuing their impressive start to conference play.
How it Happened
The start of the first half was a battle for control of the game, as the teams traded buckets. Four different Loggers got on the board, as a pair of
Zane Miller free throws gave the Loggers an early 8-5 lead.
Ian Cook and
Hugo Rutherfurd both made a pair of buckets, but the Bearcats kept providing an answer.
Cody Gardanier tied the game up at 17 apiece, but an 8-2 Willamette run gave the Bearcats their largest lead of the game.
A quick Cook jumper and a pair of threes by
Trevon Hamilton and
Aaydan Saucedo brought the Loggers right back into the ball game. Another three by Miller made it 32-30 in favor of the Logs, as the teams started to trade baskets yet again.
Beckett Turner found the bottom of the hoop to retake the lead, making a pair of free throws for Puget Sound as well. A strong 4-0 run by Hamilton took the Loggers into halftime, as they hung onto a 46-42 lead.
The Loggers stormed out of the gates in the second half, going on a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 10. Willamette bounced back, making a couple of free throws to pull within six heading into the under-16 media timeout. From there, a Turner layup and massive and-one by
Khaled Artharee gave the Loggers their double-digit lead right back. After trading free throws, the Loggers had an impressive four offensive rebound possession to keep the Log rolling.
That possession kicked off a 24-3 Logger run, making a Bearcat comeback nearly impossible. In seven minutes, the entirety of the game changed.
Dante Deshautelle and Hamilton both had a tough and-one, Rutherfurd made a three-pointer and a couple of free throws, and Turner tied it all together with solid play on both sides of the ball. With five minutes remaining, the Loggers were able to get their younger players some in-game repetitions. A couple of freshmen got some valuable experience, as the Loggers closed out a 93-63 victory in Salem.
Top Performers
Rutherfurd had 18 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 6-7 from the field and 5-6 from the line in just 13 minutes of work. Hamilton also had an efficient night, going 5-8 with 16 points and 5 boards.
Coach's Thoughts
"Really, really fun complete team win!" said Logger head coach
Aubrey Shelton. "So proud of how our defense continues to improve and stifle our opponents. To hold a high-scoring offense to 3 field goals in a half was incredible. Trevon continues to be a game changer for us on both ends, Hugo led us in scoring in just under 13 minutes, Beckett and Ian dominated the paint, and everyone made positive contributions. Dante brought incredible energy and helped spark our big 2nd half run."
What Happens Next
The Loggers head home to take on the Linfield Wildcats on Friday, January 16th. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
