Box Score By: Ryan Lackey
NEWBERG, Ore. --- The George Fox University's men's basketball team lost 81-65 to the visiting Northwest University Eagles on Saturday night in an unusually low-scoring game for the high-flying Bruins.
The Bruins and their frenetic pace began well, but the game's speed slowed as the Eagles met speed for speed, deploying their own press and an offense that capitalized on their height in the post. Both teams battled through a back-and-forth first half, shooting an even 47% from the floor.
Senior guard, Jonny Howard paced the Bruins in the first half, netting 5-7 shooting, pulling down three boards and snatching the Bruins' only steal. Howard ended with a game-high 18 points and three steals and was perfect from the line. Brendin Quinn was a perfect 4-4 on his first-half free throws.
The Eagles pulled away in the second half on the strength of their rebounding; they finished with 41 rebounds to the Bruins' 28. Forward Marko Nikolic led Northwest with 16 points and eight boards. Both teams totaled 15 turnovers and nine steals, and the Bruins outshot the Eagles from the foul line, shooting at an 81% clip.
Sophomore JJ Lacey added 10 points and led the distribution with four assists, shooting 50% from the field.
Center Henry Morris had two blocks and was a pristine 3-3 shooting.
Eagle' Henry Stanclift secured a team-high five rebounds.
Northwest improves to 5-2. With the loss, the Bruins stand at 2-2 on the year and will travel to St. Martin's on Wednesday. This is the first game all season the Bruins have scored under 90 points – they will open conference play on January 2nd at Linfield.
