By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Jonathan Watts (Sr., W, San Diego, CA/Rancho Bernardo HS) scored 16 points in just over 17 minutes, and was successful on 7 of 8 field goals, as Willamette University rolled past Portland Bible College, 85-41, on Friday, Nov. 11 during the Bearcats' regular season opener at Cone Field House. Willamette secured the outcome early in the game by surging out to a 29-2 lead with 9:38 left in the first half. The Bearcats owned a 55-18 advantage at halftime and were in front 76-31 with 8:22 to go in the game.

A total of 13 players scored points for the Bearcats, as Willamette ended the night at 1-0. Portland Bible fell to 0-6 on the season.

In addition to leading WU in scoring, Watts provided six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and a blocked shot. Watts was joined in double-figure scoring by Jack Boydell (Sr., F, Sonoma, CA/Sonoma Valley HS) and Josiah Frank (So., G, Turlock, CA/John H. Pitman HS). Boydell earned 14 points, was 4 of 9 on field goals, and grabbed four rebounds. Frank contributed 11 points while hitting 4 of 8 shots, and led all players with three steals. Mitch Lind (Fy., G, Midway, UT/Wasatch HS) hauled down seven boards, while Meelad Doroodchi (Jr., F, Mooresville, NC/Pine Lake Preparatory) supplied four assists.

Jeremy Lane scored 13 points for the Arrow. He was 5 for 8 from the field. Trevor Vermillion topped PBC with a game-high 10 rebounds, while Isaac Johnson amassed seven boards, and Lane was credited with five. Sam Reese tallied nine points for the Arrows.

The Bearcats shot 48.5% for the game (33 of 68), including 38.5% on 3-point shots, the Bearcats connected on 15 of 39 long-range attempts. WU limited Portland Bible to 27.5% shooting from the field (14 for 51). The Arrows were 0 for 7 from 3-point range. The Bearcats earned a 45-36 rebounding margin.

Willamette will play at Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. (PST).