PORTLAND, Ore. — Tyler Watts drove home 20 points to help the Linfield Wildcats secure a 65-58 Northwest Conference victory over the Lewis & Clark Pioneers Friday at Pamplin Sports Center.

Conference implications 
The Wildcats boosted their conference record to 4-1 and overall record to 10-3. Lewis & Clark's record dropped to 4-10 overall and 0-5 in conference action.

Linfield by the numbers
Behind Watts' 20 points, six rebounds and two steals, Linfield was able to come back from a first-half deficit to defeat Lewis and Clark.

"Tyler Watts was very special tonight, stepping up and making a number of plays when we had a tough time making good shots," Linfield head coach Shanan Rosenberg said. "That's what you want from your seniors."

Jordan Clark aided the Wildcats with 11 points and six rebounds. Troy Arce scored nine points, and Austin Hilton added seven points. Riley Bruil had six points and grabbed four rebounds, while Marcus Lord recorded five points and four rebounds. Dempsey Roggenbuck added five points, two rebounds and an assist. Eric Daul recorded three assists, two points and a steal.

"We had tremendous spark play of the bench from Eric Daul, Parker Collins, Marcus Lord and Austin Hilton," Rosenberg said. "They really contributed in our comeback."

How it played out
The Pioneers went on an early run and ended the first half with a five-point lead. And after halftime, the Pioneers continued to pull away from the 'Cats, working their way to a 14-point lead. With seven minutes remaining, Watts nailed a field goal to tie the game. From there, the Wildcats quickly worked their way into the lead. Clark's jumper with just over four minutes remaining put the 'Cats in front, where they remained through the final buzzer. 

"I was proud of our team as a whole for never caving and fighting back with relentless energy on the defensive end," Rosenberg said. "Lewis & Clark played very well and shot it well making 11 threes. I give them a lot of credit for being ready to play at home."

How the Pioneers stacked up
Kyle Owens led the Pioneers with 12 points, two rebounds and an assist. Nico Bricker scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Daelon Floyd added 10 points and two blocks. Man Hutson had nine points, five assists and five rebounds, and Zeke Crawford recorded four rebounds and a steal.

Coming up
The Wildcats return home for a Northwest Conference matchup with the Puget Sound Loggers Saturday at 6 p.m. at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.