By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Jack Boydell (Fy., F, Sonoma, CA/Sonoma Valley HS) led Willamette University with 15 points, and Cade Whicker (Fy., F, Fruit Heights, UT/Davis HS) tacked on 14 points, but Whitworth University defeated the Bearcats in Northwest Conference action, 92-58, on Saturday, Feb. 8, as the Pirates improved to 17-4 on the season (11-1 in the NWC). Willamette's record went to 1-20 overall, 0-12 in the NWC.

Whitworth is now tied for the NWC lead with previously undefeated Whitman College, after Lewis & Clark College defeated the Blues on Saturday, 90-83.

Boydell made three of Willamette's six 3-point baskets. Whicker went 5 for 10 from the field. Ben Sutton (Jr., F, Seattle, WA/Ingraham HS) chipped in 13 points, while Daniel Plumer (Fy., PG, North Las Vegas, NV/Democracy Preparatory Academy) scored 11 points and led all players with five steals.

Garrett Paxton scored 20 points for Whitworth to pace the Pirates. Sam Lees contributed 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Liam Fitzgerald led all players with 14 rebounds.

The teams were tied at 6-6 after three minutes. Willamette's early baskets were scored by Boydell, Whicker and Plumer.

A bit later, Whitworth held a 14-10 lead after Plumer put in a jumper for the Bearcats with 14:38 left in the half. The Pirates answered with a 15-0 run to build a 29-10 advantage with 10:54 on the clock. Whitworths's run started with a 3-pointer by Garrett Hull, included a 3-pointer from Ben College, and ended with a 3-pointer by Rowan Anderson.

Whitworth eventually led 38-18 following a jumper by Paxton at the 6:39 mark, and the Pirates owned a 46-27 lead with 2:30 to play before the break. Willamette closed the half with a 5-0 run on a 3-pointer by Plumer and a pair of free throws from Whicker, as the Bearcats pulled within 46-32.

The Pirates opened the second stanza with a 7-0 surge for a 53-32 lead with 18:33 remaining. The Bearcats moved within 55-37 on a 3-point basket by Whicker as the clock reached 16:14, but Willamette never got closer the rest of the game.

Overall, Whitworth shot 51.4% from the field (36 of 70), including 55.9% in the second half (19 of 34). The Pirates were 13 of 29 from behind the arc (44.8%) and sank 7 of 9 free throws. Whitworth attained a commanding 55-21 rebounding edge.

The Bearcats connected on 35.% of their shots (21 of 60), while making 6 of 26 attempts from 3-point range (23.1%) and hitting 10 of 16 at the free throw line (62.5%). Willamette committed just eight turnovers and forced Whitworth into 14 turnovers.

Willamette will play at home again on Friday, Feb. 14 when the Bearcats host Linfield College. Game time at Cone Field House is scheduled for 8 p.m. (PST).