By: Alex Plusquellec

SALEM, Ore. --- The George Fox men's basketball team held off the Bearcats of Willamette University Saturday night, as the Bruins won their first Northwest Conference game 78-75.   

Recap:

The Bruins got out to a quick start in the first half, taking a 12-4 lead after a Ryan Lacey three-pointer. Mason Green-Richards found his rhythm, knocking down back-to-back threes to help extend the lead to 18-10.

The defense of the Bruins was crucial to building a comfortable lead, holding the Bearcats to just 33 percent shooting in the first half while forcing 11 turnovers.

By the eight-minute mark, the Bruins found themselves in control, leading 27-15. Lacey and Green-Richards kept the momentum going for the Bruins who got healthy contributions from their bench.

Thomas Rico's first three-pointer came just before the half, and the Bruins took a 42-28 lead into the break behind efficient offense set up by active defense.

A layup by Dylan Hamlett pushed the lead to 15 points to start the second half.

After a layup by Jonathan Doutt, a steal by Lacey set up Green-Richards for another three and the Bruins looked to be in cruise control as their lead grew to 49-33 with just over 13 minutes to play.

The Bearcats kept chipping away at the Bruins' lead, cutting the deficit to nine after a quick 5-0 run. Over an eight-minute stretch, the Bruins were able to maintain a favorable advantage and held a 74-64 lead with two minutes remaining.

Needing to step up their defensive effort in the final minutes, the Bearcats held the Bruins in check while going on a 9-0 run to bring the game to within one, 76-75.

With five seconds left, Doutt found himself at the free throw line with the chance to make two shots and force the Bearcats to make a three-pointer to tie.

The senior did just that, and the final Bearcat attempt was off the mark to give the Bruins the 78-75 victory.

Top Performers:

Green-Richards turned in a 20 point performance on 6-12 shooting, while Lacey connected on 7-of-9 shots for 17 points.

Hamlett added 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds. The bench production was led by Kevin Dent and JD Ahlstrom who each totaled seven points.

What It Means:

The Bruins pick up their first NWC win of the season and move to 4-3 overall.

What Comes Next:

The Bruins will get nearly two weeks off before returning to Taylor Court to host Stockton on Dec. 17. Tip is set for 5 p.m.