TACOMA, Wash. -- The Loggers take down the Lewis & Clark River Otters 85-79 to open Northwest Conference play. 

How it Happened
The Loggers got off to a hot start, as Trevon Hamilton knocked down a triple and a layup to give Puget Sound an early 5-0 lead. After good buckets by Hamilton and Zane Miller, the Loggers took a 9-3 lead into the first media timeout. Both teams then started a scoring spree, scoring on a combined seven straight possessions to make the score 17-12 in favor of the Loggers. Aaydan Saucedo and Beckett Turner both drilled a pair of threes, and Hugo Rutherfurd got his first points as well. 

The game started to slow down a bit from there, as the River Otters took their first lead of the day. They extended it as big as seven, but the Loggers jumped right back into the game. Back-to-back buckets by Miller tied the game at 29 apiece, as the Loggers' 7-0 run gave them some life. Both teams traded buckets down the stretch, but the Loggers found themselves down six with three minutes to go. Miller knocked down another six straight points, bringing the game within two heading into the second half. 

The Loggers continued to roll to start the second, going on a quick 5-0 run to retake the lead. After the River Otters tied the game at 46, the teams stayed gridlocked for several possessions. Lewis & Clark slowly built their lead, finding themselves ahead by six yet again. All of a sudden, a quick Logger run tied the game at 59, and a Miller bucket gave the Loggers a 64-61 lead. Ian Cook then drilled a three and a jumper, extending the Logger lead to eight. 

The River Otters came back, tying the game at 75 apiece with just under four minutes left in the game. Milled drilled a free throw, and Cook layed in back-to-back layups to give the Loggers yet another five-point lead. Turner hit the dagger with 20 seconds to go, as the Loggers finished the game up 85-79. 

Top Performers
Miller had a near triple-double, putting up 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Hamilton also played well with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. 

Coach's Thoughts
"Never easy to win a conference game, especially against a very tough opponent," said Logger head coach Aubrey Shelton. "Proud of the way our guys gutted that one out. Everyone made a contribution, and clearly, the 16 offensive rebounds in the 2nd half were the difference. Our defense also did a much better job the 2nd half forcing them into multiple turnovers.Tre, Conor, Zane, Ian, and Dez were all outstanding and it was great to get Beckett back in time to hit the huge 3 late."

What Happens Next
The Loggers stay at home to face George Fox tomorrow, January 3rd. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 pm.