McMINNVILLE, Ore. — Taking the lead 20 seconds into the game and never relinquishing it, the Linfield Wildcats raced past the Willamette Bearcats for a 65-49 Northwest Conference men's basketball victory Wednesday night at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
 
Linfield ledger
Freshman Dempsey Roggenbuck led the way for the Wildcats with 16 points, two assists and a steal.
 
Behind Roggenbuck's effort, Linfield grabbed 37 rebounds, recorded 15 assists and nine steals as a team
 
Enjoying a healthy lead throughout the entire contest, the Wildcats enjoyed statistical advantages over the Bearcats in field goals, three pointers and free throws. Linfield also gave up six fewer turnovers than Willamette.
 
Center Jordan Clark played a pivotal role in the Wildcats' victory, scoring 14 and grabbing 10 rebounds. Clark's backup, Austin Murray, scored seven points, collared six rebounds and added one blocked shot. Guard Troy Arce added five points, four assists and two steals, and Riley Bruil contributed six points, five rebounds and three steals. Tyler Watts finished with eight points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Eric Daul went 2 for 3 behind the three-point arc, ending with six points.
 
Willamette summary
No Bearcat players reached double digits in scoring, but Willamette did get 20 points from its bench.
 
Leading scorer Brendon McCullough produced nine points and three rebounds for the Bearcats.
 
Trent Callan added six points and two rebounds, and Jordan Jenkins scored eight points and 10 rebounds. Nathan Sherfey had six points and a steal.
 
Where they stand
Following the victory, the Wildcats moved to 2-1 in the NWC and 8-3 overall. The Bearcats dropped to 6-6, 1-2 in league action.
 
Next
Linfield hosts the Pacific Lutheran Lutes Friday at Ted Wilson Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.