Box Score SALEM, Ore. -- The Lewis & Clark Pioneers outscored the Willamette Bearcats 21-11 in the first nine minutes of the second half en route to a 77-69 win on Saturday at Cone Field House.
Brian Smith scored a career-high 18 points as one of four Pios in double figures.
Lewis & Clark's win to begin Northwest Conference play is its first since 2009-10.
Follow the Lewis & Clark Pioneers on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #PiosMBB | #RollPios | #chamPIOns
Key Moments
The Pioneers trailed nearly the entire first half other than a 9-8 lead in the early going. Willamette shifted to full-court pressure and forced 10 first-half turnovers to build a five-point lead.
In the second half, Lewis & Clark scored the first seven points and went ahead 33-30 on Christian Pitcher's three, one of three he made in the second half on four attempts. Other than the Bearcats' 36-35 lead, the Pios controlled the rest of the game.
Zeke Crawford dunked on a fast break with 11:50 remaining on his way 16 points and 17 rebounds. The Pioneers eventually led by 12 and shot 53 percent in the second half.
Deeper Look
- Smith's new career high came on the heels of his 16-point performance last Wednesday in Lewis & Clark's 84-69 win over Portland Bible
- Smith also pulled down six rebounds and had three assists, second most by anyone for Lewis & Clark
- Matt Brown scored 15 points and made all four of his field-goal attempts plus went 7 of 9 from the free-throw line
- Brenden Patrick was efficient with seven points in 14 minutes with three rebounds and an assist
- Ben Sutton led the Bearcats with 22 points on 10 of 16 shooting; he had 12 points in the first half
Looking Ahead
Lewis & Clark hosts NW Indian on Tuesday before a trip to northern California for a tournament.
