Photo Taken By: Shelby Byerly

By: Ryan Lackey

NEWBERG, Ore. --- Mason Green-Richards led the Bruins in scoring for the second game running, but the Bruins suffered a narrow loss Friday night to the visiting Linfield Wildcats. Early in the first, the Bruins enjoyed a 12-point lead, but were unable to stem Linfield's grinding offense.

Recap:
After chasing leads early on over the last few games, the Bruins shot out to a hot start. A layup from Dylan Hamlett and a booming JJ Lacey three sparked the Bruins, and after five minutes the score stood 15-4 in favor of the hosts. Linfield refused to let the Bruins run away with the game, though, and as the first half developed, the Wildcats established an ever-growing foothold.

With four minutes left, a Mason Rodby free throw knotted the game at 25-25, and a sudden Wildcat rush saw the Bruins, after controlling much of the early game, enter halftime with a mild 35-30 deficit.

The Bruins would outscore the Wildcats in the second half, but neither team found points easy to come by. In the first minutes of the second half, Ryan Thistlewood sunk a midrange jumper to bring the Bruins within two, 44-46. Linfield worked to keep their lead around five points – 56-51 become 60-55 – but Hamlett and Willie Perkins both made baskets to bring the Bruins within striking distance. With a chance to tie the game, Green-Richards was cool at the free throw line, floating in two baskets to even things at 60-60.

Unfortunately for the Bruins, the Wildcats again pulled ahead. With the score 68-60 with a minute left, the Bruins mounted a furious comeback. Green-Richards notched another two points, but Chris Fedler just missed a three that would've drawn the score within one possession. Johnathan Doutt made a two late, but Linfield took the win, 72-66.

Top Performers:
Green-Richards had another stellar performance, leading the Bruins with 17 points and adding four rebounds. Again surgical with his shooting, Green-Richards was 6-9 from the field and 4-5 from the line. Doutt added 13 points and three assists, tied with Green-Richards for the team lead. Lacey had nine points.

What It Means:
The Bruins hold a 5-12 record, 2-6 in NWC play. Currently ninth in the NWC, the Bruins are only marginally behind Willamette and Linfield in conference play.

What Comes Next:
The Bruins host Pacific next Friday, as they look to get back in the win column.