Box Score TACOMA, Wash. --- The George Fox men's basketball team fought till the very end Friday night, but came up just short in a close game against the Lutes of Pacific Lutheran, 67-61.
Recap:
The Bruins came out strong in the opening minutes of the first half, but the Lutes battled back and took a six point lead at the 15:01 mark, 11-5. The Bruins forced the second tie of the game two minutes later with a Ryan Thistlewood layup, 13-13. The next five minutes was back and forth, as both teams were unsuccessful on pushing their leads pass four points.
The Lutes went into halftime up by two, 35-33. The score was tied six times and the lead changed hands five times in the first 20 minutes of play.
The second half was phenomenal basketball, as both teams were within three points or less for 19 minutes of play. It was amazing, the crowd watched as both teams went toe-to-toe trading baskets on each possession and not giving up any ground. The lead changed hands 10 times throughout the second half and the score was tied six times.
Free throws came with three and a half minutes left in the game, and Isaac Lee forced the 11th tie of the game after making a pair at the line, 58-58. A minute later, JJ Lacey did the same thing, knocking in both free throws to record the 12th tie of the game, 61-61. With 1:41 left in the game, the Lutes had a huge and-one to take a three point lead, 64-61.
A little over a minute ran off the clock as both teams were unable to score a basket, but with time running out the Bruins were forced to foul. Lute' Brandon Lester was sent to the free throw line and he went 1-2, giving the Bruins a chance. A missed three point shot sealed the deal, and again, the Bruins were forced to put the Lutes on the line and end the game.
Top Performers:
Lacey was the top scorer for the Bruins with 15 points and five rebounds in 31 minutes of play. Rico added 10 to the night, while Johnathan Doutt and Lee scored eight apiece.
What It Means:
The Bruins fall to 6-14 on the season and 3-8 in the Northwest Conference. The Lutes improve to 13-7 on the year and 6-5 in the NWC.
What Comes Next:
The Bruins will come back home and host Lewis & Clark on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 6:00 p.m.
