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

SALEM, ORE. -- Junior wing Bridger Harlington (Lake Tapps, WA/Auburn Riverside HS) has elevated his game and earned increased playing time this season for the Willamette University men's basketball team. He has used his time on the court to great advantage for the Bearcats. He leads the team with 23 three-pointers and has averaged 9.7 points per game.

He has started Willamette's last 10 games, and has earned double-digit scoring in eight of the last nine contests. He achieved a career-high 15 points against Whitworth University on Jan. 2.

Last year, Harlington played an average of 11.5 minutes in 24 games. This year, he is averaging 23.2 minutes played per game. His scoring average is up nearly seven points per contest.

"Bridger has developed a very keen sense of what he can and can't do," Willamette Head Coach Kip Ioane said. "He's a threat to catch and shoot, but has complemented that ability with a very good first step and pull-up game."

Harlington made well-timed contributions in Willamette's recent wins over University of Puget Sound and George Fox University in Northwest Conference games played on back-to-back nights.

Against Puget Sound on Jan. 9, he hit the nets for 14 points, including seven points in overtime, as the Bearcats outlasted the Loggers, 84-77. After UPS took a three-point lead early in the overtime, Harlington tied the score with a 3-pointer for the Bearcats.

His efforts helped WU outscore UPS 19-12 in the extra period. It was Willamette's first win at Puget Sound since Jan. 31, 2003.

In the Bearcats' 75-72 triumph over George Fox at Cone Field House on Jan. 10, he scored 14 points again and hit 1 of 2 free throws with seven seconds left to provide WU with the final point of the game.

For the year, Harlington is shooting 75.0% from the free throw line, where he is 21 of 28.

In addition, Harlington's 3-point shooting has become an offensive threat for the Bearcats. He has made a team-high 23 three-pointers and has hit at least one 3-point basket in each of the last nine games. He has connecting on three 3-pointers in the same game four times this year.

As a team, Willamette has converted 83 three-point attempts. Although Harlington leads the way, a total of five WU players have earned 10 or more 3-pointers.

The fact that Harlington has scored 10 or more points eight times in the last nine games shows his impact for the Bearcats. His efforts on the court exemplify his commitment to being one the team's captains this season. He plays with great intensity. It's no surprise that he's on the court in key situations in the closing minutes of conference games.

"As a captain, he has demanded of himself to lead by example in all situations, and I think his voice carries a lot of weight on the floor, in the huddle, and in our team room," Ioane said.