BOX
SCORE
PORTLAND, Ore. – Junior Kelly Edwards
knocked down a game-high 30 points on Friday night, but it was not
enough to lift the Lewis & Clark men's basketball team
past the visiting Bruins of George Fox in a Northwest Conference
matchup, as the Pioneers fell 76-71 at the Pamplin Sports
Complex.
The loss drops the Pios to 4-11 on the season and 3-4 in the NWC,
while the Bruins are now 7-9 overall and 4-3 in conference
action.
The Pioneers started hot, going an early 7-2 run within the first
three minutes of action. The Bruins clawed their way back in the
contest, taking over the scoreboard with 14:59 on the clock on a
jumper by Evan Atwater. Atwater then went on to give the Bruins an
eight point lead with a jumper with 6:58 remaining in the half,
making the score 27-19. The Pioneers remained composed, eventually
regaining control of the lead right before the half, courtesy of a
three-pointer from James Hollins which gave the Pios a 28-27
advantage with a little over a minute remaining. Back-to-back made
free throws from Edwards in the final 55 seconds of the half
increased the Pioneers lead to three as the teams headed into the
locker room.
George Fox came out of the gates determined to swing the momentum
its way in the second half, running up a 39-33 advantage in the
opening four minutes of play. Kyle Meeuwsen knocked down a jumper
with 13:34 to play to give the Pios a one point lead. The two sides
would continue to flip-flop possession of the lead the remainder of
the contest, before the Bruins captured the lead for good with 1:11
remaining in the game. Atwater knocked down a three-pointer to hand
the lead back to the Bruins, helping guide them to the 76-71 win.
The Pioneers and Bruins tied the score six times in the second
half, while forcing seven lead changes.
Edwards finished with a game-high 30 points, while finishing 7-of-8
from the charity stripe. Senior Tyler Tsukazaki finished with 14
points in the Pios efforts, while Meeuwsen scored 11. Hollins ended
his night with a game-high eight rebounds, while Meeuwsen and
Edwards each had six.
Jack Martin was the leading scorer for the Bruins, posting 17
points, while teammate Alex Stockner finished with 16. Stephen
Wiseley was one assist away from posting a double-double, after
dishing out nine assists and scoring 10 points.
The Pioneers return to the court on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. as
they play host to the Puget Sound Loggers.
