Box Score NEWBERG, Ore. --- JJ Lacey and Thomas Rico combined for 38 points Saturday evening, as the Bruins hosted cross town rival Linfield College in a very physical game.
The Wildcats struck early and often as they jumped out to a quick five point lead in the opening minutes. That lead turned to double-digits at the 11:20 mark when 'Cats sharpshooter Chase Walker hit a long ball, 22-8.
The Bruins battled back and clawed at the lead, and even cut it to nine at the 1:50 mark when Lacey hit a pull-up jumper, 40-31. The 'Cats went into the half up by 11 points, 44-33.
The points in the paint really hurt the Bruins, as the 'Cats recorded 22 points to the Bruins four.
In the start of the second, the Bruins caught fire leaning on the shoulders of Lacey, who went 2-for-2 from beyond the arc in the first two minutes of play. The Bruins rallied with an 8-0 run and cut the lead to three after Lacey's second three, 44-41.
With the Bruins within striking range, Linfield went on a 9-0 run of its own midway through the half to bring the lead back up to 12, 65-53. The resilient Bruins started their climb up the mountain and were successful, as they cut the lead to three after Andrew Smith made a free throw, 77-74.
With two minutes left on the game clock the Bruins were forced to play the free throw game, and the 'Cats held on to an 81-76 victory.
Rico tied his career-high 17 points, which happened to be against Linfield earlier on in the year. He had 15 in the second half and had six rebounds. Lacey led everyone with 21 points going 7-for-13 from the floor and a perfect 5-for-5 from the stripe. Jonny Howard was the other Bruin in double-digits with 11.
The 'Cats were led by Walker and Austin Murray, who both finished with 17 points. Matt Woods added 16 for Linfield as well.
The Bruins fall to 5-13 overall and 3-7 in the Northwest Conference.
George Fox will play next week when they host Willamette on the 6th of February at 8:00 p.m.
