SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Loggers drop their game to No. 28-ranked Whitworth, keeping it close before the Pirates pulled away. 

How it Happened
Puget Sound went stride for stride with Whitworth to start the game, jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead thanks to a pair of free throws by Hugo Rutherfurd and a three by Trevon Hamilton. The Loggers maintained their lead with a Beckett Turner triple, and a tough Dante Deshautelle and-one had the Loggers on top 12-10 going into the first media timeout. 

After a quick pair of buckets by the Pirates, a layup by Turner, and a pair of free throws by Dezman Baker pulled the Loggers back within one. The Pirates took off on a 20-0 run, extending their lead to 21 points. Their lead was as large as 29, taking a 53-24 lead into halftime. 

The second half was fairly even between the two teams, as the Loggers started to find their groove. Rutherfurd and Baker both made a three, as Rutherfurd added another bucket in the paint to pull within 24. The Pirates pulled back ahead, but the Loggers weren't done yet. Deshautelle hit a pair of free throws, joining Cody Gardanier with a pair of tip-ins for a 6-0 Logger run. 

Lots of Loggers got valuable game experience, as Cameron Wood and Khaled Arthuree both drilled several free throws to add to the scorebook. Despite the defeat, the Loggers are still in a great position in relation to the rest of the Northwest Conference. They maintain their spot in second place, currently sitting at 5-2 in conference play. 

What Happened Next
Puget Sound makes the trek down to Whitman to take on the Blues on Saturday, January 24th. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 pm.