By: Alex Plusquellec

WALLA WALLA, Wash. --- The George Fox men's basketball team took on the No.1 seed and No. 2-ranked Whitman Blues Thursday night in the semifinals of the Northwest Conference Tournament.

Recap:
Whitman gained control early and made it tough on the Bruins to make a run. The Blues began the game on a 12-4 run, but the Bruins fought back to cut the lead to four after a layup from Thomas Rico. After a Whitman basket, Willie Perkins knocked down a jumper to get back within four.

Rico led the way for the Bruins with nine points in the first half. Perkins scored four first half points and grabbed three rebounds.

Whitman responded to the Bruins' quick buckets with a big run as they took a 52-33 lead into the half.

The Bruins were held scoreless in the first five minutes of the second half as Whitman extended its lead. Johnathan Doutt and Mason Green-Richards each had an efficient half off the bench, scoring 10 points and eight points, respectively.

In the end it was Whitman who put the game out of reach, defeating the Bruins 105-75.

Top Performers:
Doutt led the way for the Bruins with 12 points in 15 minutes off the bench. Rico added 11 points, while JJ Lacey, Ryan Thistlewood, Dylan Hamlett and Green-Richards all scored eight points apiece.  

What It Means:
The Bruins finish the season with an overall record of 10-16 and a NWC record of 8-8.