By: Ryan Lackey

SPOKANE, Wash. --- The Bruins went on a difficult road trip on Friday evening, driving north to take on Northwest Conference leaders Whitworth in Spokane. Despite Whitworth's impressive record – the Pirates have dropped just one league game this season – the Bruins gave them all they could handle. But, though they held an 11-point lead early, on, the Bruins fell, 83-67.

Recap:
The Bruins showed little drowsiness from the long trip and began the game white-hot. A Willie Perkins layup opened the scoring, and throughout the game's opening ten minutes the Bruins could do no wrong, playing fast and smothering the off-guard Pirates. After a crisp Chris Fedler three, the Bruins led 21-10, but that would be their largest margin of the night.

Whitworth responded by going on a steady run that saw them close the gap until an open layup from George Valle put the Pirates up 23-22. The Bruins would never lead again, although they came close late in the first half when Johnathan Doutt's three-pointer made the score 32-33. Another strong Pirates run, though, made the score 46-35 at half.

The Bruins were in position, though, to make a comeback as the second half began. An 11-point deficit is far from insurmountable for a team like the Bruins, who can score in bunches. But Whitworth began the second half by rattling off points, stretching their lead to over twenty points, 67-45, before the Bruins regained their footing.

As the second half wound down, more shots fell for the Bruins – Dylan Hamlett had a nice series – but the Pirates's lead proved too much, and the Bruins took an 83-67 loss.

Top Performers:
Johnathan Doutt stood out for the Bruins, netting 18 points on 6-10 shooting. He also dished four assists. Coming off the bench, Mason Green-Richards was the other Bruins in double-digits, knocking in 11 on 4-7 shooting; he made three of five from deep. Thomas Rico had seven rebounds and eight points.

What It Means:
The Bruins remain eighth in the NWC, just ahead of Linfield, with a 3-13 conference mark. They're 6-16 overall.

What Comes Next:
The Bruins continue their Washington trip tomorrow, playing away at Whitman.