SPOKANE, WASH. – The Linfield Wildcats (17-9) traveled to Whitworth for the first round of the Northwest Conference playoffs. In the regular season the Pirates were able to take both match ups over the Wildcats, although the 'Cats only lost by a total of four points in the two games combined. Linfield has not been able to beat Whitworth since 2009. Linfield closes out their season with a 69-88 loss to Whitworth.
 
"We had an outstanding year that set new benchmarks for our program. Culturally and relationally it's been an honor to be with these guys. I'm very proud of them."
 
"With so many great guys returning, I am sure we will be well motivated into the future and ready to fight for the title again next year. We had a lot of people rooting for us up here from afar, and we appreciate all the support and hope for our team. This game does not define a thing for us, it's just our final chapter this year. I love this team," said head coach Shanan Rosenberg.
 
 
'Cat stats
Three Wildcats were able to make it into the double digits against the Pirates. Dempsey Roggenbuck lead the way with 15 points, with Grant Gibb closely behind with 13 points. Senior, Riley Bruil ended his career as a Wildcat with 10 points making two of four three-point attempts. Marcus Lord ended his career with one of his best nights as he added eight-points for the Wildcats. Linfield only shot 42.6% from the field and 30% from the three-point line.  
 
Pirate stats  
Kyle Roach shot the lights out of the Whitworth Field House as he had a game high of 26 points and added 10 rebounds for the Pirates. Despite only having six points in the first half Ben College was second in points with 16. Two other Whitworth players were able to score in the double digits; Sam Lees added 13 and Kevin Crosno put up 10. Whitworth managed to score 16 points off of turnover, 31 points from the bench, and 17 points off of second chances.
 
1st Half
The first-half was all Whitworth as the Pirates had a 13-2 lead heading at the first media timeout. Linfield did not score until 16:26 when Dempsey Roggenbuck was able to convert on a layup. The Pirates would keep the pedal down and go on an eight-point run before the Wildcats would get another score. Grant Gibb was able to get into a little bit of a rhyme and total nine points in the first half for the Wildcats. Heading into half time Linfield tailed 27-52. Whitworth seemed like they could not miss in the first half as the shot 57.1% from the field and 53.3% from behind the arc compared to the Wildcats 29.6% from the field and 37.5% from three.
 
2nd Half
Whitworth started off where they left off the first half as Ben College drained a three in the opening possession. Grant Gibb would counter for the Wildcats with a 15-foot jumper for his 11^th point of the game.  The Pirates kept the Wildcats at an arm's distance all night; a three-pointer by Riley Bruil with six minutes left to play would bring the 'Cats within 17 points. A few minutes later Grant Gibb found Tanner Autencio for a three to put Whitworth up by 14 which was the smallest lead since the first half. Whitworth would close out the game with a three-pointer and a 19-point win over the Wildcats.
 
 
Coach Rosenberg's Thoughts
 
"For whatever reason, we just did not have it tonight. It is an unfortunate ending to a stellar season, with a group of outstanding young men."

"I have enjoyed every day with this team, they have been as good a team to be with through the rigors of a season as any I've ever coached. I am proud that we fought back a little in the second half, although Whitworth was hitting on all cylinders. You have to give them tons of credit," said head coach Shanan Rosenberg.