By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University men's basketball team entered its game at University of Puget Sound on Jan. 8 without two starters due to illness. Starters Alex Brown (Sr., F, Happy Valley, OR/Clackamas HS) and Bridger Harlington (Sr., W, Lake Tapps, WA/Auburn Riverside HS) were unable to play. Hayden Russell (Jr., W, Woodland, CA/Da Vinci Charter Academy) made his first start of the season, replacing Harlington at the wing position.

Russell scored nine points and led Willamette with two 3-point baskets. He also contributed three rebounds and one assist, while playing a season-high 26 minutes.

One night later against Linfield College at Cone Field House, Brown and Harlington were able to return to action, but did not start. Russell recorded his second consecutive start and led the Bearcats with 13 points, including three 3-pointers.

Russell went 4 for 4 at the free throw line and had two assists against Linfield. He played 22 minutes. The Bearcats defeated their archrivals 70-68. 

For the week, Russell averaged 11.0 points per game and 1.5 assists per game. He shot 42.9% from the field (6 of 14) and was 5 of 11 (45.5%) on 3-pointers. He sank 5 of 5 free throws.

"The thing that I love as a coach about Hayden is knowing I'm going to get consistency from him, every practice, and every game," Willamette Head Coach Kip Ioane said. "He's a guy that has put in so much time on his conditioning, on his shooting, and on his overall game that his teammates have supreme confidence in him getting the job done."

Although the UPS and Linfield games were Russell's first starts of the season, they weren't his first apperances on the court. He has played in all 13 games, averaging 6.3 points in 17.6 minutes per night. He has scored a total of 18 three-point baskets. He has recorded eight or more points five times.

Harlington and Russell have been Willamette's primary players at the wing position. Harlington leads the Bearcats with 22 three-pointers made -- he's shooting 40% from 3-point range -- and is averaging 8.8 points per contest. Russell has provided quality minutes as well, allowing the duo to combine for 15.1 points per game and 40 three-pointers on the season.

"He and Bridger have really performed for us at the 2 spot (wing/shooting guard), not just stat-wise, but in their approach to the job sharing ... both push each other to be better every night."

Both are likely to be in action when the Bearcats host Whitworth University on Friday, Jan. 15. The Pirates are 13-0 on the season (4-0 NWC) and are ranked #1 in the nation by D3hoops.com. Game time on Gordie James Court is set for 8 p.m. (PST).

Willamette will play at home on Saturday, Jan. 16 and Tuesday, Jan. 19 as well. On Saturday, the Bearcats will battle against Whitman College, ranked #21, at 6 p.m. (PST). On Tuesday, WU will take on George Fox University at 8 p.m.