By: Ryan Lackey

TACOMA, Wash. --- After storming out to a twelve-point halftime lead on the strength of 11 threes and a scintillating 62% shooting, the George Fox University men's basketball team outlasted a furious comeback by the Puget Sound University Loggers, winning 79-76.

The Loggers went shot-for-shot with the Bruins in the game's early minutes as the teams traded baskets. Midway through the first half, though, the Bruins caught fire, turning a 29-29 tie into a 51-39 halftime lead.

The Bruins' standout player was freshman guard Andrew Smith, who, typically a rotation player, made the most of his eighteen minutes. Smith went 4-5 from deep and 6-10 overall, good for 16 points, trailing only JJ Lacey. Smith contributed defensively as well, harrowing the Loggers and collecting four steals, a season-high.

JJ Lacey also zeroed in, burying a game-high 21 points on 7-13 shooting. Stalwart Jonny Howard, though chipping in just a pair of his copyrighted long-range threes, managed to find other ways to contribute, pulling down a team-high five rebounds and fifteen points.

Though the Bruins swept into the halftime break with momentum and a comfortable lead, the Loggers emerged resolute and determined. Despite hitting fewer than half as many threes, Puget Sound recommitted to a focused, dispersed offensive game and began whittling down their deficit.

With a minute left, the score stood at 78-76. Intentionally fouled, Jonny Howard hit his first free throw but missed his second, allowing the Loggers one last opportunity. With a second left, Erin Barber launched a hopeful three that could not find the net, and the Bruins held on.

The loss drops Puget Sound to 9-8 overall, 4-5 in conference. The Loggers travel to Pacific Lutheran on Tuesday. With the win, the Bruins improve to 5-13 and 3-6 in conference play. The Bruins host Linfield on Saturday night.