Hsiung Leads Bearcats with 24 Points, 8 Boards, 8 Assists in 89-76 Win

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Ryder Hsiung (Jr., G, Honolulu, HI/Punahou School) led the way to victory for Willamette University against Oglethorpe University on Saturday, Nov. 11 as he neared a triple-double with 24 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in an 89-76 win for the Bearcats over the Stormy Petrels at Cone Field House. The win for Willamette evened both teams' records at 1-1 on the season.

Hsiung was a strong 6 for 10 on 3-point shots and hit 8 of 13 field goals. Josiah Frank (Jr., G, Turlock, CA/John H. Pitman HS) provided the Bearcats with 18 points, while Caleb Moore (So., G, Wadley, GA/Washington County HS/Bard College) contributed 17 points, four assists, and four steals.

D'Ante Dean (Jr., F, Nassau, Bahamas/British Columbia Christian Academy/Peninsula College) earned nine points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Kahiau Bruhn (So., W, Waimanola, HI/Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama) added nine points and seven rebounds.

The Stormy Petrels placed two players in double figures. They were Perry Robinson with 23 points and Dylan Pumpian with 13 points. Robinson also grabbed nine rebounds. Christian Williams scored nine points.

Willamette held a 44-39 lead at halftime, but started the second half with a 23-8 run for a 67-47 advantage with 11:49 on the clock. The Bearcats were in front, 73-55, following a layup by Dean with 8:10 to go. The Stormy Petrels cut the margin to 13 points twice in th final minute of play.

During the game, Willamette shot 53.8% (35 of 65), including 42.3% from 3-point range (11 of 26). The Bearcats limited Oglethorpe to 41.9% shotting (29 of 62). The Stormy Petrels hit just 5 of 25 shots from behind the 3-point arch. Willamette achieved a 40-36 rebounding edge and held a 9-8 margin in steals. The Bearcats committed 18 turnovers and Oglethorpe lost the ball 16 times.

WU Head Coach Michael Lenahan picked up his first win with the Bearcats. He coached the past two seasons at Bard College (N.Y.).

The Bearcats will take on Greenville University in Greenville, Ill., on Friday, Nov. 17. Game time is at 4 p.m. CST/2 p.m. PST.