FOREST GROVE, Ore. -- The Puget Sound men's basketball team is one step closer to clinching a spot in the Northwest Conference Tournament, taking down the Pacific Boxers 86-79.

How it Happened
The Loggers got off to a solid start, as Ian Cook and Hugo Rutherfurd both scored on the Loggers' first two opening possessions. Aaydan Saucedo drilled a three to make it 7-4, and a Dezman Baker jumper gave the Loggers back the lead after a couple of buckets by Pacific. Zane Miller and Beckett Turner then got in on the action, as six different Loggers scored within the first sixminutes of the game. 

An Ian Cook layup extended Puget Sound's lead to seven, as the two teams traded buckets in a flurry of scoring. After a Trevon Hamilton steal, he made a tough and-one in transition to make it a 25-15 ball game. Saucedo then hit another three, and another three-point play by Hamilton kept the Loggers in front. The Loggers' lead trickled to four, but three straight triples by Miller and Hamilton pushed the lead back to eight. Hamilton hit another pair of buckets, making it a 48-40 game at the half. 

Rutherfurd and Miller both hit shots to start the back half, and another Baker layup kept the Logger lead at 11. Despite several Boxer attempts to get back into the game, the Loggers didn't allow for it to happen. Miller hit another three, Rutherfurd added a layup, and Cook hit a pair of free throws to keep the Logs in front. 

A quick Boxer run then made it a two-point game, even making it 71-70 with three minutes left in the ball game. Rutherfurd then scored four straight, and buckets by Baker and Hamilton extended the Loggers' lead to seven with less than a minute to play. Zane Miller forced a crucial turnover, all but sealing the deal. The free-throw game started, but the Loggers prevailed, taking down Pacific 86-79. 

Top Performers
Hamilton led the Loggers with 19 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Rutherfurd also had a solid night, finishing with 17 points and five boards. Miller dropped 15 with 4 rebounds and 5 assists, wrapping up the top performers from the evening. 

What Happens Next
The Loggers take on the Linfield Wildcats for a chance at a NWC Tournament appearance tomorrow, February 14th. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 pm.