Bearcats Edge Willamette Alumni, 91-89

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

SALEM, ORE. -- The Willamette University men's basketball team pulled into the lead for the final time with less than four minutes remaining, and hit several baskets and free throws in the closing minutes, to hold off the Willamette Alumni, 91-89, in the annual Alumni Game on Saturday, Nov. 2. The game was played on Gordie James Court in Cone Field House.

Although the game was fun for players and fans, it also was competitive, as the Alumni fielded a very strong team with more than 15 athletes. Most of the former Bearcats played at WU in the past two to eight years, and many of the players were among the top scorers and rebounders during their Willamette careers.

Avery Manu (Sr., Wing, Pocatello, ID/Highland HS) topped all scorers with 29 points for the varsity Bearcats. He also grabbed five rebound and provided three assists.

Brandon Luedtke (So., F, Meridian, ID/Mt. View HS) tacked on 17 points for Willamette, to go along with five boards and two assists. Alex Brown (Jr., F, Happy Valley, OR/Clackamas HS) contributed 10 points and hauled down two boards for the Bearcats.

The Alumni were led by Ryan Meehan '12, who scored 19 points and connected on six 3-point baskets. Cameron Mitchell '10 provided the Alumni with 17 points and 11 rebounds. John Olinger '05 MBA '07 hit the nets for 11 points during the game.

Willamette will play an exhibition game at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, on Monday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. (PST). The Bearcats are set to open the regular season at Cal Tech in Pomona, Calif., at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15.