by Jared Beilby, Student Intern

NEWBERG, Ore. – Senior Sean Atkins had his highest-scoring effort in his four games while wearing a mask to protect a broken nose as his 23 points helped guide the George Fox University Bruins to a 78-60 victory over the Pacific Lutheran University Lutes in a Northwest Conference men's basketball game on Saturday night here at the Wheeler Sports Center's Miller Gym.

In a crucial match-up of potential Northwest Conference tournament teams, the Bruins (13-6, 6-4 NWC) stopped the Lutes' (7-12, 4-6) three-game winning streak and avenged the Lutes' 72-64 win earlier this season. Coupled with Lewis & Clark College's (12-7, 5-5 NWC) 60-56 home loss to the University of Puget Sound (11-8, 7-3 NWC), the Bruins moved into sole possession of fourth place in the Northwest Conference. The top four teams qualify for the Northwest Conference tournament.

George Fox took early control of the game, shooting out to an 11-7 lead five minutes in. Pacific Lutheran, however, was able to draw even at 11 with 13:49 left in the first half, and they managed to edge in front 18-15 two minutes later. Still, George Fox kept Pacific Lutheran in its sights, rallying twice before taking a 40-35 advantage at the break.  Atkins, who broke his nose on Jan. 17 versus Whitworth University, was the high scorer for the half with 14 points.

Senior Spencer Bolte started the second half hot, scoring six points in the first four minutes. His jumper with 18:15 left gave the Bruins a 47-37 lead. The Lutes hardly threatened the rest of the way as the Bruin lead never dipped to below five. George Fox scored the game's final 12 points.

Bolte and junior A.J. Grant scored 17 points apiece to join Atkins in double figures. Senior Seth Brent grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Bruins. Collectively, George Fox shot 25-53 (47.2%) and went 21-25 (84.0%) from the line.

Freshman Brandon Lester led Pacific Lutheran with 16 points. Senior Arvid Isaksen had a game-high 10 boards.

NEXT: George Fox travels north to Forest Grove, Ore. to face Pacific University (11-8, 4-6 NWC) for a contest at 8 p.m. on Friday. The women's squads play at 6 p.m. … Pacific Lutheran returns home to Tacoma, Wash. to play Whitman College at 8 p.m. on Friday. The women's teams take to the court at 6 p.m.