By Collin Smoll

FOREST GROVE, Ore. --- The Bruins beat the Pacific (Ore.) Boxers at home in a narrow victory, taking it down to the wire at 103-100 to claim the season series.

How it Happened

The Boxers began the game by putting eight points up before the Bruins could get a word in, but once they did, they were hot on the Boxers' tails. The Bruins kept the game within five points and traded leads with their hosts but the Boxers staved them off. The half closed at 48-53 in favor of Pacific.

The Bruins kept up the competition and the pressure, and the second half turned into a heated shootout with the two sides neck and neck and the lead changing with what felt like every other basket. The Boxers took a six-point lead late but deep triples from JD Ahlstrom and Jackson Januik erased that advantage. Finally, with the game in its final seconds and the Bruins down by two, Lacey sunk three free throws followed by Ahlstrom making another two. The Bruins' defense held true on the other end, ending the game 103-100 with the Bruins victorious.

Top Performers

Ahlstrom and Lacey made eight shots each, with Ahlstrom putting up a career-high 25 points for the Bruins while Lacey put up 23. Ahlstrom also went a perfect 6-for-6 in free throws and took down 10 rebounds.

What it Means

The Bruins come closer to leveling off at 4-5 within their conference matchups and improve to 4-10 overall. The Boxers drop to 2-4 in conference and 2-6 overall. The win also gives George Fox the edge, 3-1, in the season series.

What Happens Next

The Bruins face the Bushnell Beacons back in Newberg next week on Friday, April 23.