EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University men’s basketball moved its home record to 10-1 on the season with an 86-68 victory over Evergreen on Friday night. The Beacons shot 12-for-24 from three-point range to keep the Geoducks in check.
The Beacons opened the game on an 8-0 run and never trailed, leading by as many as 21 points in the second half. NCU took advantage of a considerable height discrepancy, out-rebounding the Geoducks 43-29. Additionally, Northwest Christian flexed their depth in the game, holding a 47-10 lead in points off the bench.
Evergreen (3-14, 0-10 CCC) did have a silver lining as senior guard Jordan Dam scored 25 second-half points, finishing with a game-best 29 points on 11-for-19 shooting. He went 4-for-8 from three-point range. Brock Otis added 11 points as the only other Geoduck player in double-figures. ESC shot 41% in the game including 25% from three-point range.
Northwest Christian (13-6, 6-4) claimed the 18-point victory despite junior Austin Kuemper going scoreless for the first time in his Beacon career. The post player took just three shot attempts but was still a factor on the boards (six rebounds) and as a distributor (four assists).
Kuemper’s quiet night left the door open for four other players to score at least 11 points. Leading the way was junior Javonte Byrd (pictured) who came off the bench to score 16 points, shooting 4-for-7 from three-point range. Travis Pacos added 15 points, shooting 88% from the field, and sophomore Jay Mayernik scored 13 points and 7 rebounds. Sophomore Michael Loomis added 11 points and seven boards, shooting 3-for-4 from downtown. NCU shot 55% for the game and was able to overcome a 14-turnover evening.
NCU returns to action on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., playing host to Northwest University (12-10, 2-8). The Eagles were 57-55 winners against the Beacons in a home upset back in December.