Written by: Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor
Men’s basketball battled hard against Linfield University this last Tuesday, ultimately pulling out the win and bringing the team to a 3-3 record.
Western scored a two-pointer in the first 10 seconds of the game, but Linfield responded with their own. The teams battled back and forth in the first half, Western attempting to pull ahead and having the most possessions. For every point Linfield scored, Western quickly answered back. The first half ended in a close score of 34-33, in favor of Western.
The second half started out just as strong for the team — putting in substitutions to help their winded starters — and Western scored a three pointer within the first minute. However, two free throws brought Linfield closer to a tie soon after.
In the last 12 minutes, missed shots, turnovers and steals in favor of Linfield narrowed the already small lead Western had managed to keep all game. A three-pointer by Linfield player, Joshua Ryan, tied the teams up at 53 and was quickly answered with a layup from Western Junior, Qiant Myers. Linfield pulled ahead with a three-pointer not even 30 seconds later.
More missed shots from Western helped Linfield pull ahead, where they managed to either keep the lead or stay close with Western on the scoreboard.
It was two free throws from Myers that managed to bring the team back into the lead, after being fouled by Linfield player, Garret Callsen. Western continued to keep this lead through the rest of the game.
The game finished in favor of Western, 80-71, with the team’s largest lead being 10.
Qiant Myers was the point leader for Western, scoring 19 on the night. The GNAC defensive player of the week also had 10 assists and five steals.
The previous week, Myers had the first triple-double of NCAA DII play this season; with 14 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds. A triple-double occurs when all three of a player’s stats are all double-digit numbers.
Western’s other point leaders included senior Cameron Benzel and junior Kris Cook, who had 18 and 15 points respectively. Benzel and Cook also performed both of Western’s dunks for the night, both of which occurred in the second half.
Western shot 57.1 percent in the field, only making five of 20 three-pointers, and totaled 27 rebounds.
Men’s basketball plays again on Nov. 30 against Central Washington University at 5:15 p.m. in New PE. The game will be streamed live on WOUTV.
Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu
