The University of Puget Sound Loggers won their first NWC title tonight, defeating the visiting Pioneers of Lewis and Clark College 102-94 in front of 900 fans on Senior Night. The Loggers win, combined with a Whitworth victory over Linfield College, hands Puget Sound the NWC crown and the automatic NCAA berth that comes with it.
Seniors Mario Mendoza and Matt Glynn led the way for the Loggers, who overcame a tenacious and well-coached Pioneer team. Glynn led Puget Sound with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and a game high 9 assists. Mendoza contributed 10 points and eight rebounds in the winning effort.
The Pioneers, losers of three straight, were led by the double double of John Mietus. Mietus had a game high 34 points and 17 rebounds. Teammate Mike Kirkham scored 23 points on 9 of 19 shooting.
The game was balanced throughout, with each team unable to pull away by more than six in the first-half. The Loggers led 55-53 at the break despite the hot shooting of Lewis and Clark. The Pioneers shot 63.6% in the opening half. Puget Sound counter with 11 of 27 shooting from three-point distance.
In the second-half Puget Sound built a ten-point advantage (82-72) with 10:28 to play. Lewis and Clark got the lead to one on the hot shooting of Kirkham, who put was part of an 8 to 1 run that closed the gap. However, the Pioneers were never able to get over the hump, and a big steal and drive to the basket by Freshmen Jeremy Cross put the Loggers back up by ten with 3:15 to play. The teams traded baskets until the end.
The title is Puget Sounds first men’s basketball conference championship since the 1983-84 team won the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. NCAA bids will be announced February 29th at 7:30 p.m. The Loggers travel to Pacific Lutheran next Friday and then to McMinnville to face Linfield College to conclude the regular season.