By: Ryan Lackey

NEWBERG, Ore. --- Mason Green-Richards had 22 points off the bench, but the Bruins' comeback was stymied as they lost, 84-71, to hosts Willamette. Most of the Bruins' troubled came on second efforts: the Bearcats out-rebounded the Bruins, 30 to 16.

Recap:
Before Tuesday night's matchup, the Bruins and Bearcats appeared to be similar teams, talented but underperforming and fighting to break into the top half of the Northwest Conference standings. As the first half developed, the squads did seem evenly matched. A Chris Fedler three gave the Bruins an 11-6 lead, but the Bearcats fired right back.

After exchanging one-and-two-point leads with Willamette through most of the first half, the Bruins nursed a narrow 25-24 lead when the Bearcats surged out to a 37-36 lead they took into the locker room at half.

Credit to the Bruins for reining in Willamette when the Bearcats emerged to extend their lead to 52-36 in the first minutes of the second half. A jumper from Thomas Rico stunted the Bearcats' run, and the Bruins dug away at the deficit. Willie Perkins nailed an open jumper to bring the Bruins within nine, but Willamette danced away again, stretching the score to 75-58.

As the second half wound down, the Bruins maintained their offensive energy, but Willamette managed the clock and controlled the boards. Their comeback was truncated, but the Bruins finished strong, and were were outscored by only two points in the second half.

Top Performers:
Mason Green-Richards, despite not starting Tuesday night, was the Bruins' offensive firebrand, dropping in 22 points on a cool 6-7 shooting from the field. Green-Richards was 5-6 from three and at times shot the Bruins back into contention. He was also nearly perfect from the stripe, recording a 5-6 mark on free throws. Among the Bruins' starters, Thomas Rico led with 13 points and managed three steals. Johnathan Doutt had eight points, JJ Lacey and Jacoby Wolfe seven apiece.

What It Means:
With the loss, the Bruins hold a 5-11 record and are 2-5 in NWC competition; Willamette's record is identical. However, the Bruins maintain a slim lead over Willamette for seventh place in the NWC.

What Comes Next:
The Bruins, looking to get back on the winning track, have plenty to play for on Friday night, when they host the rival Linfield Wildcats.