McMINNVILLE, Ore. – The George Fox men's basketball team was unable to push past a Wildcats side that shot at over 45% from both the floor and beyond the arc, eventually dropping the game, 93-82.

How It Happened
Both teams initially struggled to generate offensive momentum, before George Fox jumped out to an early lead on the back of three pointers from Nick Greenwood and Momo Stokes. Both teams were efficient from beyond the arc, with the eighth minute alone seeing four triples - one from Trey McDonald and three from the Wildcats. Both teams shot at over 40% on three point shots for the entire half. 

With seven minutes left in the half, Linfield had pulled ahead by two baskets, before yet another string of triples from Charlie Powers and Jett Briceno saw Fox close the gap. By the end of the period the Bruins were only three behind, 40-37.

The two teams continued to trade scores early in the second half, and halfway through the period Fox still trailed by three. Two layups from Momo Stokes and a triple from Nick Greenwood saw the Bruins grab the lead with six minutes to play. 

However, Linfield immediately regained momentum with a nine point run of their own, led by Wildcat Reece Gibb, who dropped eight points in the space of a minute. Gen route to an 11-13 shooting night from the floor. 

Aiden Price tried to keep the game alive for Fox with another deep shot in the final three minutes, but the game ended in a string of free throws – the Wildcats ultimately claiming the victory, 93-82.

Top Performances 
James Moore was the top scorer for the Bruins, dropping 15 points and shooting 7-8 from the free throw line. Momo Stokes and Charlie Powers both finished with 12 points each, while Nick Greenwood ended the day with 11.

Stokes also collected two steals to aid the defensive effort, while Samuel Stewart IV recorded two blocks.

What It Means
The Bruins fell to 14-10 (7-8 NWC), dropping down into fifth place in the conference ahead of the final week of regular season play. The Wildcats improved to 8-16 (3-12 NWC). 

What Comes Next
The Bruins will look to give themselves a chance to secure a spot in the NWC tournament with a win over the Willamette Bearcats on Friday, February 16th. Tip-off is set for 8 pm.