Puget Sound Holds Down Bearcats, as Defense Prevails for Loggers, 64-45

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

TACOMA, WASH. -- The University of Puget Sound Loggers held Willamette University to 35.4% field goal shooting (17 of 48) to defeat the Bearcats, 64-45, in a Northwest Conference game on Friday, Jan. 17 at Memorial Fieldhouse. The Bearcats hit just 3 of 13 three-pointers (23.1%) and 8 of 15 free throws (53.35).

On offense, the Loggers connected on 39.6% of their shots from the field (21 of 53), while sinking 7 of 25 three-point attempts (28.0%). The Loggers were 15 of 27 (55.6%) at the free throw line.

Rex Nelson put through 7 of 9 field goals to lead Puget Sound with 17 points. Dan Cheledinas scored 15 points and made three 3-point shots for the Loggers, while Erin Barber scored 14 points. Nelson and Nick Holden each hauled down six boards for UPS.

Brandon Luedtke (So., F, Meridian, ID/Mt. View HS) topped Willamette's offensive chart with 15 points. He sank 6 of 8 field goals. Luedtke also earned three rebounds and two steals.

Alex Hansen (Sr., Wing, Reno, NV/Galena HS) tacked on eight points, made two 3-pointers and earned three boards. Kyle McNally (Jr., Post, Salem, OR/Sprague HS) grabbed a team-high six rebounds for the Bearcats.

Willamette committed 23 turnovers, while Puget Sound lost the ball just 13 times. The Loggers finished with 13 assists and 11 steals. WU ended the night with six assists and six steals.

Hansen scored first on a 3-pointer just 11 seconds after the opening tip. James Osorio answered for Puget Sound with a layup 19 seconds later. The score remained close in the initial minutes, which featured three ties and three lead changes through the 14:19 mark.

Puget Sound held a 10-9 lead before Cheledinas swished a 3-pointer with 13:51 remaining in the half. Cheledinas added another 3-pointer with 12:42 on the clock, increasing the Loggers' advantage to 16-9. Just over five minutes later WU trailed by five points, 22-17, following a basket by Alex Brown (Jr., F, Happy Valley, OR/Clackamas HS).

The Loggers responded with seven consecutive points to start an 11-1 run for a 33-18 lead with 3:11 left in the first period. The run began and ended with a 3-pointer by Erin Barber, who also converted two free throws during the offensive surge. Hansen put in a 3-pointer for Willamette with 2:45 remaining, but Barber countered with a trifecta 18 seconds later.

Each team added one basket, leaving UPS with a 38-23 halftime advantage.

WU pulled within 13 points three times in the first seven minutes of the second half. A layup by Luedtke made the score 42-29 with 14:21 left, before Puget Sound tallied six consecutive points. The Bearcats reduced the margin to 52-38 with 6:27 to go, but the Loggers pulled away.

Up next for Willamette is an NWC match-up with Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore., on Saturday (Jan. 18). Game time is set for 8 p.m. (PST).