EUGENE, Ore. – The Bushnell men’s basketball team played their home opener on Saturday night, and won a convincing 121-76 victory over Willamette University.
It was the highest scoring game for the Beacons (2-0) in four seasons, and the ninth-highest of all-time. Bushnell dominated every aspect of the game on both sides of the ball, shooting 57% from the field including an 11-for-20 performance from three-point range. The Beacons also held a 55-39 rebounding margin, out-scored the Bearcats 52-28 in the paint and added 23 points off 18 Willamette turnovers.
The Bearcats (0-1) were led by Jonathan Watts, scoring 20 points as he hit 4-for-5 from three-point range. Paul McSlarrow came off the bench to score 16 while Jack Boydell added 14.
The Beacons were led by Alexis Angeles (pictured), who scored 22 points on 9-for-12 shooting, adding four assists. Stevie Schlabach was 8-for-11 for 18 points with four blocked shots while Luke Smith came off the bench to score 16, along with six rebounds and five assists.
Spencer Hoffman came close to a double-double with 10 points and a game-high nine rebounds while Trevon Richmond flirted with a double-double of his own, scoring 12 points and eight assists.
“Our defense continues to improve but we are still making mistakes that I know we can correct,” said head coach Eddie Alexander. “Offensively, we got out and ran really well tonight which is something that we have been working on. We appreciate Willamette’s hard work tonight as they were a great competitor. We look forward to next week and the challenge that it will bring.”
Bushnell will be on the road to Winona Lake, Indiana next week to compete in the first Crossroads/Cascade Conference Classic, hosted by Grace College. The Beacons will take on Bethel University on Friday before facing the hosts, ranked No. 8 in the NAIA, on Saturday.