NEWBERG, Ore. – George Fox finished off another Northwest Conference weekend with a hard-fought loss to Linfield at home, 76-71, in regulation on Saturday, Jan. 15.

How It Happened

The Bruins scrapped with the Wildcats from the jump and it was clear early on that the rivalry game would be gritty for both sides - the two sides combined to shoot just 3-23 from deep in the first half. After clawing to an early 12-11 lead, the Bruins watched as the 'Cats pulled away with a 10-0 run to lead, 21-12, with just under seven to play in the first half. Fox tried to chip away at the lead, but Linfield answered with a five-point burst to pad its advantage at the half, 35-25.

The Bruins did not allow a three-pointer in the second half and outscored their guests 46-41 in the final 20 minutes, but the Wildcats' halftime lead was enough to hold off the Bruins' rally. Fox cut away steadily and got within five points multiple times, including a 72-67 score after an 8-0 run, but it fell short in the end.

Top Performers

James Moore provided a lift off the bench on both ends with a 4-9 shooting performance from beyond the arc, a team-high 17 points, and a team-high eight boards. Zac Schmerber added 16 and Kalu Stricklin chipped in 13 to go with seven boards and two blocks.

Coach's Thoughts

"This was a tough loss tonight on multiple levels," coach Maco Hamilto said. "Great learning experience for us in regards to our urgency against the great team like Linfield. "I loved how we fought and got back in the game late. Definitely some positives to pull from tonight."

What It Means

Fox drops to 3-2 in NWC action and is 8-6 overall this year in a tie for fourth in the NWC. Linfield stays clean at 4-0 in conference and 9-3 on the year to take over first place in the NWC standings.

Up Next

The Bruins will stay in Newberg to host their Whit weekend with Whitman and Whitworth each coming to town on Jan. 21 & 22.