George Fox, Ranked 13th, Shoots 52.2% in Win over Willamette

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

NEWBERG, ORE. -- George Fox University, ranked #13 in the D3hoops.com Top 25, shot 52.2% from the field (35 of 67) and hit 16 of 18 free throws, as the Bruins defeated Willamette University, 89-42, on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Wheeler Sports Center. The Northwest Conference win improved GFU to 22-3 overall, 13-3 in league play.

Megan Arnoldy topped the George Fox scoring chart with 11 points. She also registered six rebounds. McKenzie Wolfe tacked on 10 points and hauled down five rebounds. A total of 14 Bruins scored during the game.

Willamette received 14 points from Katie Kalugin (Jr., G, Woodburn, OR/Woodburn HS). Kalugin also provided four rebounds and two steals.

Alexa Beeson (Sr., G, Portland, OR/Lincoln HS) chipped in 10 points for the Bearcats and was 4 for 6 from the field. Alex Wert (Fr., F, Spokane, WA/St. George's HS) earned eight points, five rebounds and two steals. The Bearcats ended the season with a 4-21 overall record and a 2-14 mark in the NWC.

GFU played exceptionally well in the first half, claiming a 28-8 rebounding margin, forcing Willamette into 18 turnovers and limiting the Bearcats to 5 of 22 shooting (22.7%) on field goals. The Bruins opened the game with a 17-2 run and continued to pull away for a 45-12 halftime margin.

Willamette improved its shooting to 40.9% in the second half (9 of 22). The Bearcats, who shot just two free throws in the first 20 minutes, went 10 for 12 at the charity stripe in the second half to finish 11 of 14 overall (78.6%).

The Bruins finished the game with a 46-21 rebounding edge, including 21 offensive boards. GFU held a 16-6 advantage in second-chance points.

Kalugin and Jojo DeLong (Jr., G, Santa Clarita, CA/Canyon HS) completed the season nearly tied for Willamette's team scoring lead. Kalugin scored 324 points for an average of 13.0 points per game, while DeLong achieved 323 points (12.9 avg.).

In addition, two players who missed much of the year due to leg injuries also attained double-digit scoring averages. Kylie Towry (Fr., G, Medford, OR/South Medford HS), who played in eight games, averaged 11.1 points per contest. Rebecca Josephson (Sr., G, Fair Oaks, CA/Del Campo HS) saw action in 12 games and averaged 10.8 points per game.