NEWBERG, Ore. -- After nearly one month away from home, The George Fox men's basketball team traveled back to Wheeler Sports Center to play the Willamette Bearcats, picking up a Northwest Conference-opening win, 81-91. 

How It Happened
The Bruins began the game with a blow, as star guard Momo Stokes missed the game, but stayed firm from the start — after a Bearcat jumper to open the game, Fox never let Willamette get ahead by more than one for the rest of the half. Chris Nickelberry made the first layup of the period, tying the score 2-2, and Samuel Stewart IV came in with a jumper. Fox's offense continued to push ahead, giving air for defense. Stewart stole the ball in defense and drove down the middle court making a shot for the Bruins—moments later, he made a free throw, advancing their score 8-14 and setting the tone for what would be a career night.

With roughly ten minutes left in the half, the Bruins continued to keep a gap; Cory Schramm made a quick dunk from a sneaky pass by Stewart IV to move the score to 17-24, and shortly after, Stewart made his own driving layup—20-26. In the last five minutes, Fox continued their torrid start with one basket after the other — Jake Centner with a three-pointer and Nick Greenwood with a solid jumper — to stay ahead, 31-38. Aiden Price made the last layup to keep their halftime lead consistent, 35-43.

Fox had a rocky start in the first three minutes of the second half, but gained momentum as their lead stabilized around ten. Jake Bishop made a smooth pull up out of the right wing at 40-49, but it was Stewart IV that continued to impress. The senior was felt in every aspect of the game: In one sequence, Stewart IV scored, recorded a thunderous block, and then assisted a Price layup.

With time winding down, Schramm locked in his free-throws to keep a seven-point 69-76 lead. Willamette pulled as close as four in the waning minutes, but it was Stewart IV again who pushed them ahead, knocking down two free throws to keep Fox at bay. The Bruins pulled out their third consecutive victory, winning their conference opener, 91-81.

Top Performances
Senior Samuel Stewart scored 23 points for the game — the most points since his Grossmont College days — and nearly recorded a triple-double with nine rebounds and eight assists. Nick Greenwood knocked in all three of his triples to finish with 17 points and four steals, while Aidan Price finished the game with 16 points and six rebounds.

Coach's Thoughts
"Perhaps our best defensive effort against a quality opponent this season," Bruin head coach Maco Hamilton said, "We translated a lot of what's been happening on the practice court, to this game.  Super proud of the men for their efforts tonight."

What It Means
Fox will rise in the overall with 5-5 (1-0 NWC) setting up for the Northwest Conference, while Willamette falls to 6-4 (0-2 NWC).

What Comes Next
The Bruins will go to McMinnville, Ore. to play against the rival Linfield Wildcats (3-7, 0-1 NWC) at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4th.