Mitchell's Double-Double Leads Bearcats Past Boxers, 81-71

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University received a double-double from junior post Cameron Mitchell (Portland, OR/Grant HS/U. of Redlands), as the Bearcats rolled past Pacific University, 81-71, in a Northwest Conference game on Friday, Feb. 13. Willamette led 79-61 with 1:58 left, before both teams put in their remaining subs and the Boxers closed the game with a 10-2 run.

Willamette improved to 10-10 overall, 6-7 in the NWC. Pacific fell to 8-14 on the season, 3-11 in the NWC.

Mitchell scored 16 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and earned three steals, two assists and one blocked shot. He was 5 of 9 on field goals. In the past two games, he has registered back-to-back double-doubles, while achieving a combined 41 points and 38 rebounds.

Scott Schoettgen (Fr., Wing, Columbia, CA/Sonora HS) added a career-high 16 points against the Boxers on 7 of 9 shooting. Robbie Kunke (So., PG, Clackamas, OR/Clackamas HS) also scored 16 points, including 9 of 10 at the free throw line. Josh Erickson (Sr., PG, Keizer, OR/McNary HS) supplied the 'Cats with five assists and also scored six points.

Pacific was led by Garold Howe with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Marcus Kienlen tacked on 13 points for the Boxers, while David Vandervort and Ross Bartlett each hit the nets for 10 points.

The Bearcats took control early in the game. Willamette owned a 12-4 lead with 14:33 left in the first half, following a 3-pointer by senior guard Nick Babij (Ontario, OR/Ontario HS).

Erickson started at point guard and recorded three assists in the first seven minutes. The 'Cats increased their advantage to 21-11 on a 3-pointer by Schoettgen at the 11:16 mark.

Willamette, which shot 51.6% from the field (16 of 31) during the first half, held a 21-point lead, 40-19, with 1:47 remaining in the period. WU took a 44-24 margin into the intermission.

With 18:03 left in the second half, the Bearcats recorded their largest lead of the night at 49-26. WU also led by 23 points at 52-29, after Mitchell scored on a jumper with 15:36 to go.

Pacific eventually pulled within 59-45, following a layup by Howe at the 11:31 mark. The Boxers never got closer until the final half-minute of the game.

The Boxers hit 60.6% of their field goals (20 of 33) in the second half. Pacific was 11 of 24 (45.8%) during the first 15 minutes of the period, but closed out the game with nine consecutive successful shots. Pacific was just 9 of 32 (28.1%) on field goals the in the first half.

WU gained a huge advantage at the free throw line. The Bearcats sank 21 of 32 free throws (65.6%), while Pacific made 6 of 8 charity shots. The Boxers were call for 24 fouls during the game, while WU received just 14 fouls.

Willamette will remain at home to take on Lewis & Clark College in a Northwest Conference game on Saturday, Feb. 14. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. (PST).