Box Score
EUGENE, Ore. – After scoring just eight points for most of the game, Blake Solomon (pictured) hit a three-pointer with ten seconds remaining to give Northwest University a 65-63 win over Northwest Christian in Cascade Collegiate Conference action.
In a back-and-fourth battle, both teams held eight-point leads at one point or another, as they fought through seven ties and nine lead changes. Trailing 55-49 with 9:44 remaining, Cameron Marshall put the Beacons back into the game with back-to-back three pointers to tie the score, 55-55. The teams were still tied, 60-60 when NCU’s Andrew Miller capitalized on a three-point play, to put the Beacons ahead 63-60 with just 2:16 remaining.
On NCU’s next possession, however, Miller was fouled and missed both ends of the double-bonus. The Eagles responded with a layup from Tyson Christie on the other end to climb within one point with 1:52 to play. The Beacons proceeded to eat up some clock, getting two key offensive rebounds after missed scoring opportunities. The third chance, a three attempt from Marshall, also failed, this time giving Northwest the ball and one final opportunity.
Solomon, who had averaged 26 points in the Eagles first two CCC games, had shot just 1-for-6 from three-point range, but made one when it counted, hitting the trey with just ten seconds to play for a 65-63 lead. The Beacons did have one final scoring opportunity as a double-teamed Ben Voogd found a wide open Brent McKee under the basket. Unfortunately, with just two seconds remaining, McKee had the ball slip through his fingers and out-of-bounds for the turnover.
The Eagles (7-5, 3-0) take control of first-place in the Cascade Conference with the victory, as the only undefeated team remaining in conference play. The team shot 50% from the field and was led by a strong double-double for Greg Peters, who shot 5-for-7 and scored 14 points with 13 rebounds. Greg George added 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting, and Solomon finished with 11. Tyson Christie scored seven points but had seven assists for Northwest.
The Beacons (9-5, 1-1 CCC) were led in defeat by Voogd, scoring a game-high 27 points as he hit five of NCU’s eleven three-pointers. Voogd also recorded team-highs with six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Marshall finished with 12 points, hitting a trio of three-pointers. On the night, NCU shot 61% from beyond the arc (11-for-18).
Northwest Christian will be back in action on Tuesday night, playing host to The Evergreen State College. NCU defeated the Geoducks at home by 20 points last season, 87-67.