By Collin Smoll

NEWBERG, Ore. --- The Bruins' men's basketball team celebrated Senior Night on Friday, Apr. 23, and suffered a loss against the Bushnell Beacons, coming up short in an 84-71 defeat.

How it Happened

The Beacons scored first, but the Bruins immediately pushed past their guests, taking the lead and maintaining it throughout most of the first half.

The Beacons were able to lead at the break, however, when they tied the game 37-37 at 1:20 to the half. With less than a minute to go, the Beacons took over the lead with a 5-0 run and led the Bruins at the half, 42-37.

The Bruins began the second half by almost retaking the lead after a layup from Kalu Stricklin, but the Beacons widened the gap after that. Bushnell was able to beat the Bruins' press and built a fifteen-point lead that they held for most of the second half.

The Bruins fought back and made a handful of baskets to close the gap, but they couldn't pick up the rest of the slack, and the game went to the Beacons 84-71.

Top Performers

Ryan Lacey hit seven shots and both his free throws throughout the night for a team-high 18 points. JD Ahlstrom made three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points and two blocks. Kalu Stricklin tallied 12 points, and he and Jackson Januik grabbed five rebounds each. Januik also handed out five assists 

What it Means

The Bruins drop to 4-11 overall while the Beacons improve to 6-5 all around.

What Happens Next

The Bruins take it on the road to face Willamette on Saturday, April 24 at 3:00 pm in the 2021 season finale.