The Pioneer men earned a conference victory over the George Fox
Bruins 97-83 on Friday night, January 9, at Pamplin Sports Center
(boxscore).
The Pioneers entered the match-up 1-1 in conference play and 7-4
overall, while the Bruins were 0-2 in conference and 4-7
overall.
The Pioneers were off to a strong start in the first half, pulling
ahead early and maintaining the lead for nearly 20 minutes of play.
But with just seconds remaining in the half, the Bruins would steal
the lead on a buzzer-beater jump-shot, as they entered the locker
room at halftime, 37-36.
In the second half, the Pioneers had reestablished their lead as
they attacked the Bruin defense, jumping ahead by 10 points in the
first seven minutes of the half, while putting on an impressive
offensive display. A Kyle Meeuwsen (so., Hillsboro, Ore.) slam-dunk
at the 10:00 mark sent the Bruins into a downward spiral as the
Pioneers took over. With the crowd in a roar, the Pioneers scored
basket after basket almost effortlessly, putting up a total of
61-second half points.
The Bruins impressive 55.0% shooting night caused little trouble
for the Pioneers, who responded by shooting 50.0% from the floor,
40.0% from three-point range and 88.5% from the free throw line.
The Pioneers received six more shot attempts than the Bruins as
they forced 17 Bruin-turnovers and earned 10 steals.
Josh Kollasch (jr., Tucson, Ariz.) led the Pioneers for the third
game in a row, scoring 23 points, going 7-14 from the floor, while
also grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out eight assists. David
Berggren (sr., Tualatin, Ore.) and James Hollins (fr., Phoenix,
Ariz.) both earned outstanding performances on the night as they
combined for a total of 42 points, scoring 21 each. James Edwards
(fr., Carmichael, Calif.) rounded out the offensive leaders for the
Pioneers as he added 15 points.
With the victory the Pioneers improve to 2-1 in conference play
and 8-4 overall, as they stand in a three-way tie for third place
in the NWC. They will return to play tomorrow night here at Pamplin
Sports Center when they take on the Pacific Boxers in their fourth
conference game. The Boxers are currently 0-2 in conference and 5-5
overall. Tip off is set for 8 pm, following the Pioneer women's
game at 6 pm.
