TACOMA, Wash. -- The Loggers' 48-point second half was not enough in a 78-88 loss to the Willamette Bearcats. 

How it Happened
The game started with a stalemate, as neither team could capitalize on early chances. After going down four to start the game, an 8-0 Logger run gave the team a spark. Zane Miller hit a pair of buckets, with Hugo Rutherfurd and Beckett Turner getting in on the action as well. The After back-to-back Bearcat threes, the game was tied at 10 apiece, with each team trading buckets thereafter. 

Zane Miller had a pair of tip-in layups to pour in four straight points, putting the Loggers up 20-17. The Bearcats bounced back, going on a run to pull away from Puget Sound. Willamette's Tanner Overby went on an 11-0 run by himself, as the Loggers couldn't quite find an answer. A Turner three and tough-and one by Dezman Baker got the crowd into the game, and a layup by Trevon Hamilton pulled the Logs within 11 at the half. 

The second half started with a Bearcat run, as all of a sudden the Logges found themselves down 49-31. Another tough and-one by Baker gave the team some energy, and a three by Conor Maguire put the Loggers within striking distance. The teams traded buckets, but a nifty layin by Maguire and back-to-back-back threes by Aaydan Saucedo pulled Puget Sound within eight. 

The Bearcats responded with two buckets of their own, but another Maguire triple brought the Loggers right back. The teams traded more buckets and free throws, as an Ian Cook layup made it a 63-72 ball game. With three minutes left, the Bearcats extended their lead back to 16, but the Loggers weren't done yet. Miller drilled a three, Maguire got to the rim, and another free throw by Miller made it a 71-78 ball game. 

The Loggers just ran out of time towards the end of the game, unable to complete the comeback. Despite a 78-88 loss, Puget Sound still sits in second place in the Northwest Conference. With four games left, they control their own destiny to clinch a spot in the Northwest Conference Tournament. 

Top Performers
Miller had another solid night, picking up 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists for the Loggers. Maguire had a career-high 16 points, shooting 71% from the field. 

What Happens Next
The Loggers travel down to Forest Grove, Ore. to take on the Pacific Boxers at 7:30 on Friday, February 13th.