George Fox Remains Undefeated with Win over Bearcats, 73-38

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

SALEM, ORE. -- George Fox University, ranked #3 in the D3hoops.com Top 25 Poll, improved to 23-0 overall, 14-0 in the Northwest Conference, with a 73-38 victory over Willamette University on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Cone Field House. The Bruins received 16 points from Keisha Gordon to lead the way, while Jami Roos added 10 points, and a Hannah Munger contributed eight points and 12 rebounds.

For Willamette, Kaileigh Westermann (Sr., F, Belfair, WA/South Kitsap HS) registered a double-double, as she hit the nets for 16 points while earning 12 rebounds. Mackenzie Lamson (So., Wing, Portland, OR/Lincoln HS) provided WU with eight points.

Willamette dropped to 1-22 on the season, 0-14 in the NWC.

The Bearcats stayed within striking distance of the nationally-ranked Bruins for much of the first half. George Fox owned slim leads of 8-6 and 12-10 during the first seven minutes. The Bruins responded by going on a 12-0 run for a 24-10 advantage with 6:10 remaining in the period. Gordon and Megan Arnoldy each tallied four points during the run.

Willamette battled back to within eight points, 25-17, following a 7-1 run. Lamson and Dora Rabih (Sr., F, Denver, CO/John F. Kennedy HS/Arizona Western Coll.) contributed two points apiece, while Maya McFaddin (Sr., Wing, McMinnville, OR/McMinnville HS) completed the run with a jump shot at the 3:28 mark and one free throw with 2:56 to go.

GFU concluded the half with a 10-1 offensive surge that started with a 6-0 run. The Bruins were in front, 35-18, at halftime.

Gordon scored eight of her 16 point during the first half on perfect shooting, as he hit 3 of 3 field goals and converted 2 of 2 free throws. Westermann led Willamette with six points and seven rebounds at the break.

The Bruins extended their lead by starting the second half with a 16-3 run. Five players contributed points to the run, led by Gordon and Munger with four points each. The run gave George Fox a 51-21 advantage with 14:29 left.

For the game, GFU shot 49.0% (25 of 51), while Willamette connected on 32.6% from the field (15 of 46). The Bearcats made just 7 of 26 field goals (26.9%) in the first half, but improved to 40.0% (8 of 20) over the final 20 minutes. George Fox made 15 of 28 field goals (53.6%) during the second half.

The Bruins sank 21 of 30 free throws (70.0%), but put through only 2 of 10 three-pointers. Willamette was 8 for 15 at the line (53.3%) and did not make a 3-point basket on five attempts.

George Fox earned a 39-30 rebounding margin. In addition, the Bruins forced WU into 21 turnovers, while GFU lost the ball 12 times.

The game was the final home contest for three seniors on the Willamette roster: McFaddin, Rabih and Westermann. The seniors and their parents were honored prior to the game.