By Joshua Nutter

SPOKANE, Wash. --- The George Fox men's basketball team tipped off for the first time against a Northwest Conference opponent in 20201 on the road at Whitworth on Friday night, where they fell to the Pirates 86-51. 

How It Happened

The Bruins and Pirates started off slow offensively. Both teams exchanged baskets for the first thirteen minutes of action and the score was level at 25-25 at the seven-minute mark. Whitworth went on a 17-4 surge to close out the opening half to carry a 42-29 lead into the locker room. Kalu Stricklin led the Bruins with eight points before the break. 

The Pirates stretched the lead to 20 in the opening minutes of the second half. Stricklin continued to shoulder the offensive load in the second half with six more points. The Bruins struggled to keep up with the Pirates' offense as Whitworth outscored George Fox 44-22 in the period behind 45% field goal shooting.

Overall, the Pirates' ability to practice and play a deeper schedule was on display and was certainly an advantage that the Bruins had to overcome from the jump. They also had to overcome playing without two key seniors leaders in Jackson Januik and Ryan Lacey.

Top Performers

Stricklin was the Bruins' only scorer in double-figures with 14 points on 7-for-14 shooting from the field. Stricklin also added 11 rebounds to make for a double-double on the night. Donny Santana led the Bruins' reserves with eight points in 17 minutes off the bench on 3-for-4 shooting.

Despite the difference in contact practices and full competitions, the Bruins were able to force 15 turnovers and almost matched the Pirates' efforts on the offensive glass with 12 boards from their own misses.

What it Means

The Bruins are now 0-1 on the year but their ability to battle even at a significant disadvantage in the season experience column is impressive. 

What Happens Next

The Bruins and Pirates will go at it again on Saturday night in Spokane to complete a two-game series. The season series finale will tip off at 5:30 PM.