McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Visiting Stockton University poured in 13 three-pointers, many of them from NBA-range, on the way to securing a decisive 76-64 victory over the Linfield Wildcats Tuesday evening at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
 
Linfield lowdown
Troy Arce scored a team-high 16 points on 5 of 9 shooting to lead the Wildats offensively. The transfer guard from West Hills College sank a trio of three-pointers while adding three assists and three rebounds. Liam O'Reilly totaled a game-high 10 rebounds, and Tyler Watts finished with nine points, eight rebounds and two assists. Reserves Dempsey Roggenbuck scored seven points and Austin Murray netted six. Leading scorer Jordan Clark was limited to seven points, four rebounds and two assists.
 
Linfield shot 40.7 percent from the field for the game, but only 27.6 percent in the first half as Stockton built a commanding 20-point advantage, 40-20. The Wildcats regrouped to outscore the Ospreys in the second half, 44-36.
 
"We were flat in the first half and let poor shooting effect our energy," said Wildcats coach Shanan Rosenberg. "It was quite inexplicable considering how well the guys practiced this week and how excited they were to play at home again. It breaks your heart as a coach."
 
Stockton summary
Jordan Taylor and Kashaun Barnes combined for 35 points to carry Stockton, a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, to the West Coast win. Taylor came off the bench to hit five three-pointers (on seven attempts) while Barnes hit 6 of 13 shots on his way to a game-high 20 points.
 
The Ospreys were impressive defensively, blocking five Linfield shots, including two each by Taylor and Darius Jerkins. Steve Ferebee scored 13 points and pulled down a team-best eight rebounds.
 
"Stockton played lights out in many phases, but especially shooting," said Rosenberg. "They had a special night shooting the ball and deserve credit for that performance."
 
Where they stand
The Ospreys raised their season record to 8-4 while dealing the Wildcats just their third defeat in 10 games.
 
Ahead
Linfield takes time away from practices and games to enjoy the Christmas holiday before resuming action Dec. 30 in Ellensburg, Washington. The Wildcats battle NCAA Division II program Central Washington in an exhibition contest starting at 4 p.m.
 
"The break should do us well as we heal up and prepare for conference," said Rosenberg. "The best days are ahead for our team."