PORTLAND, Ore. – Another dominant offensive performance was the key for the Linfield Wildcats in what Linfield coach
Shanan Rosenberg called "a true team win." Led by senior
Tanner Autencio's 18 points, Linfield defeated the Lewis & Clark Pioneers 95-66 Saturday night at Pamplin Sports Center.
"We played very well on both sides of the ball and many guys contributed," said Rosenberg. "We needed different guys to do different things at different times and it all came together."
In the first half, Linfield played stifling defense to really make Lewis & Clark uncomfortable. The Wildcats held the Pioneers to 37.9 percent shooting, while also forcing six turnovers. The 'Cats continued their efficient offensive season, making 60 percent of their 30 shots.
Austin Hilton again got off to a quick start, scoring 10 points on 4-5 shooting.
Max Lommen has continued to play fantastic basketball this season, particularly since joining the starting lineup. The junior made his first five shots of the half, including a buzzer-beating floater to give the 'Cats the 47-30 lead at the half.
"
Dempsey Roggenbuck was very efficient and just terrific tonight," said Rosenberg. "He really did a great job on defense and the boards as well. Tanner had great night scoring and I Ioved seeing him play that aggressive.
Will Burghardt,
Max Lommen and
Aaron Baune all played outstanding. It's great to see a Will back in form."
Six different players had at least one basket in the opening half for Linfield, while also keeping star center and leading NWC rebounder Zeke Crawford off the boards. The Wildcats won the rebounding battle in the first half, 17-10, and Crawford had only two rebounds.
After Linfield made five of their first eight baskets to start the game, they held the lead 11-7. Brian Smith scored seven of his 11 points to keep the score close at 18-13. The 'Cats went on a run to end the half holding the 'Pios scoreless for the last two minutes of the half.
In the second half, Linfield dealt with some foul trouble that allowed Lewis & Clark to get a foothold in the game. Although the Pios struggled with their shot in the half court, they were able to get to the line seven times in the first eight minutes of the final half.
Linfield got the three-ball working in the seond half. After going 3-11 on three-pointers in the first half, Linfield hit four of their next six three pointers. Baune converted on a tough three before Autencio jumped in with one of his own. Autencio had his fingerprints all over this one. The senior point guard finished with 18 points to lead Linfield, to go along with six rebounds and three assists.
The Wildcats shot just under the 60 percent in the second half. The bench for the 'Cats provided 30 points to help in the winning effort. Roggenbuck had 16 points on six of 10 shooting while also contributing five rebounds.
Aaron Baune had 15 also on 6-10, Lommen and Hilton each had 12.
"
Austin Hilton and
Matt Berger did a phenomenal job on the glass and protecting the rim. I thought they limited Lewis and Clark's put-backs and that fueled our transition game and offense," said Rosenberg.
Brian Smith scored 20 points to lead the Pios (10-13, 6-8 in NWC) in that department, while Crawford had 17. Crawford finished with only four rebounds. The Wildcats largest lead of the game was 32 in a dominant second half.
'We look forward to preparing for a showdown with two outstanding teams next weekend at home," said Rosenberg.
UP NEXT
Linfield (18-5, 12-2 in NWC) hosts Whitman and Whitworth at home in the final regular season games of the year. It is the Pack the House Weekend in McMinnville, with the first 250 fans of each games receiving a free T-shirt. Fans should wear white for both games, with tipoff on Friday against Whitman at 8 p.m. and Senior Night on Saturday against Whitworth at 6 p.m.