Pacific Lutheran Tips Bearcats in Overtime, 77-71

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Arvid Isaksen broke a 71-71 tie on a layup with 1:21 remaining in overtime, and Seth Anderson sank a jump shot with 38 seconds left, as Pacific Lutheran University defeated Willamette University, 77-71, at Cone Field House on Friday, Feb. 21.

Willamette's Alex Brown (Jr., F, Happy Valley, OR/Clackamas HS) forced the overtime period by scoring on a jumper with 31 seconds remaining in the second half to create a 63-63 tie. Brown finished with 18 points and nine rebounds for the Bearcats.

Alex Hansen (Sr., Wing, Reno, NV/Galena HS) led the Bearcats with 19 points, while hitting 5 of 6 three-pointers. Hansen and Brown were joined in double figures by Avery Manu (Sr., W, Pocatello, ID/Highland HS), who tallied 16 points.

Brandon Lester registered 22 points and Anderson added 20 for the Lutes. Lester was 7 of 13 from the field, including 6 of 10 on 3-point shots. Anderson connected on 8 of 11 field goals. He also grabbed eight rebounds.

Isaksen scored 12 points and hauled down nine rebounds, as he matched Brown of WU for top honors on the glass.

Willamette rallied from a 50-36 deficit with 11:52 remaining to get back in the game. The Bearcats started the comeback with a 3-pointer by Bridger Harlington (So., Wing, Lake Tapps, WA/Auburn Riverside HS), which opened a 12-2 run that reduced PLU's lead to 53-48 when Hansen sank a 3-point basket with 7:48 on the clock.

A layup and foul shot by Manu several minutes later tied the game at 54-54 with 4:39 remaining. A free throw by Harlington and a layup by Hansen provided WU with a 57-54 advantage at the 3:11 mark. The Bearcats also led by three points, 59-56, following a layup by Brown with 2:07 to go.

The final two minutes of regulation featured three lead changes and two ties, ending with Brown's overtime-forcing jumper.

An extended story will be posted later.