Loggers Fall In Battle With Bearcats, 90-75

SALEM, Ore. – The Puget Sound Loggers found themselves in a battle with the Willamette Bearcats but in the end, they were on the losing end of a 90-75 ballgame in a Northwest Conference men’s basketball game on Friday night at Cone Field House in Salem, Ore.

The Bearcats and Loggers battled back and forth for the entire first half. Willamette built their biggest lead of the half on a free throw by Robert Kunke that put the ‘Cats up by four points with 6:16 left to play in the opening period. The Loggers got the momentum back on their side the remainder of the half, retaking the lead with a minute to go as they took a one point lead into halftime, 34-33.

In the second half, the home court advantage led the way for the Bearcats as they slowly pushed the lead into double-digits. The Loggers managed to get the game back within four on a pair of free throws by Kaleb Shelton (Tacoma, Wash./Lincoln) but Willamette would use a 19-8 run to finish the game as they collected the 90-75 win.

The Loggers were led by 20 points and 10 rebounds from Shelton. Colin Koach (Portland, Ore./Franklin) and Bryce Levin (Everett, Wash.) each chipped in 14 points. The Loggers shot 40.3% from the field but struggled from behind the arc, making just seven of 27 attempts.

Willamette was led by 25 points and 10 rebounds from Cameron Mitchell. Ryan Meehan added 17 points while Kunke finished with 16 in the win. Marcus Holmes added 11 points for the Bearcats. Willamette held a 43-35 advantage in rebounds as they collected the victory.

The Loggers continue the road trip next week as they travel to Spokane on Friday to take on first-place Whitworth. Tip with the Pirates is set for 5:30 p.m. at Whitworth Fieldhouse.