Box Score SALEM, Ore. --- After hitting a game winner last night in the final seconds, the Bruins had a shot to repeat their efforts, but fell short to the Bearcats of Willamette University, 75-72.
Both teams traded points back and forth for the entire first half, as the largest lead was held by the Bearcats at seven points. The Bruins cut down every run the Bearcats tried to make and were led by Jonny Howard, who went into the half with 11 points.
The Bruins out-shot the Bearcats with a 54.2 percent clip from the field, while the Bearcats shot 43.2 percent. George Fox was also red hot from the 3-point line going 7-for-14.
Despite out-rebounding the Bearcats, 20-17, the Bearcats managed to bring down eight offensive rebounds, which led to 13 second chance points.
The momentum shifted in the second half, as the Bearcats jumped out to a quick lead after a 6-0 run. The Bruins wouldn't go down without a fight chipping away at the lead for the last 10 minutes of the game.
The Bruins cut it to four after Jonny Howard completed the 3-point play with three minutes left in the game. With one minute left on the game clock it was Howard again playing hero with another 3-point play in the paint. The Bruins trailed the Bearcats by two in the final 10 seconds, but were forced to put the Bearcats on the line. George Fox had a shot at the end of the game to force an overtime, but a blocked shot would close the door shut.
Howard, who leads the Northwest Conference in points per game (17.7), continued his scoring presence going 10-for-16 with 28 points. He was one point shy of tying his season-high. Eli Graham recorded his second double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 boards. Andrew Smith added 13 points and rounded out the scoring.
The Bruins fall to 4-9 on the season and 2-2 in conference.
George Fox will continue play next week when the team will host Whitman on the 16th and Whitworth on the 17th.
