Tonight’s result moves the Logger’s record to 18-3, 12-1, while the Wildcats go to 12-10, 8-5. Puget Sound maintains a two game lead over George Fox in the conference standings with two games remaining. The Loggers magic number is one, as a win in their next game or a Bruin loss will seal a second consecutive title for UPS.
Puget Sound entered the first half break with a 42-37 advantage, as the two teams played relatively even the first twenty minutes.
A 13-0 run midway through the second half pushed Puget Sound lead of nine out to a 22 point advantage (69-47), as the Loggers took control of the game for good. Point guard Jeremy Cross led the hosts run, starting the offense burst with a jumper at 12:50 and finishing it off just over three minutes later with pair of free throws. Cross had a Logger high of 24 points and seven rebounds, including making all 12 of his foul shots on the night.
Linfield closed the gap to 15 (76-61) with just over five minutes remaining on a Blake Shelton jumper, only to see the Loggers close the game on an 11-2 run, producing the final margin of victory.
Forward Chris Lewis led Linfield with 24 points on 8-20 shooting, as the Wildcats ended the night 22-55 (40%) from the field. UPS was 28-57 (49.1%) on the night. The Loggers held a slight (38-34) rebounding edge, and forced Linfield into 21 turnovers.
Zack McVey had another strong outing for the Loggers, making 7 of 9 field goals on his way to 19 points. Seniors Aubrey Shelton (11 points) and Chris O’Donnell (6 rebounds) provided plenty of energy in their final home game of the year.
Puget Sound travels to Parkland on Friday as NWC action continues for the Loggers at Pacific Lutheran. The Wildcats return home to host the Pioneers of Lewis and Clark College Tuesday evening.