Jackson Hits Six Three-Pointers, as Bearcats Defeat Archrival Linfield

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Rivalry games between basketball teams offer the chance for athletes to play at their best and lead their teammates to an emotional win. Such was the case when Joseph Jackson (Jr., Wing, Hillsboro, OR/Hillsboro HS) and Brandon Luedtke (So., F, Meridian, ID/Mt. View HS) played great at Willamette University defeated archrival Linfield College, 78-70 on Jan. 10, 2014.

Jackson scored a career-high 19 points and connected on 6 of 7 three-point shots. Luedtke provided 14 points and hauled down a game-high 15 rebounds. He also earned three assists and four steals. Overall, the Bearcats shot 55.6% (25 of 45) from the field on their way to the win.

In the first half, Willamette shot 52.2% (12 of 23) and held Linfield to 30.8% (7 of 23), as the Bearcats built a 33-20 lead. Jackson sank 4 of 5 three-point attempts in the first 20 minutes.

The Wildcats managed to reduce the margin to 44-40 with 12:48 left, but a pair of 3-pointers by Jackson over the next two minutes extended Willamette's advantage to 50-40.

Jackson led the Bearcats in scoring, while Alex Hansen (Sr., Wing, Reno, NV/Galena HS) matched Luedtke with 14 points. Avery Manu (Sr., Wing, Pocatello, ID/Highland HS) chipped in 13 points and made 5 of 8 field goals.

The Bearcats also received nine points each from Talanoa Smith (Jr., G, Pago Pago, American Samoa/Tafuna HS) and Kyle McNally (Jr., Post, Salem, OR/Sprague HS). Led by Luedtke's 15 boards, WU finished the game with a 34-19 advantage on the glass.

As a team, Willamette connected on 11 of 17 three-pointers (64.7%), while Linfield converted 14 of 31 long-range attempts (45.2%). Ryan Potter of Linfield scored 23 points and hit 7 of 8 three-pointers, but it wasn't enough for the Wildcats.

Fans will remember Jackson's exceptional performance off the bench. He scored his 19 points in just 17 minutes on the court.

The win was earned in the Bearcats' sixth game in 14 days. It was a great victory over a big rival, and stood out as a special moment from the season. After defeating the Wildcats, Willamette spent a well-earned break before playing at the University of Puget Sound seven days later.