SPOKANE, Wash. — Linfield fell to Whitworth, 77-62, in a Northwest Conference game at Whitworth Fieldhouse on Friday night. Despite a strong second-half surge, the Wildcats were unable to overcome a first-half deficit, shooting just 31.4% from the field in the opening period.
The Pirates jumped out to a 12-2 lead and didn't look back, securing a 41-23 advantage by halftime. Linfield struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 1-of-10 three-pointers in the first half and 4-of-19 overall for the game. However, they found their rhythm after halftime, shooting 60.7% from the floor in the second half, led by a 14-point performance from
Jake Downing. Downing hit six of his eight field goal attempts, including two from beyond the arc.
Garrett Callsen was a bright spot for the Wildcats, posting 16 points on 8-of-12 shooting. He also grabbed five rebounds and registered one assist in 21 minutes of play.
Max Juhala added four points, three assists, and two rebounds, while
Cade Collins finished with four points and two rebounds. The Wildcats struggled to get to the free throw line, recording only eight attempts from the charity stripe, converting two of them.
Whitworth, on the other hand, was powered by Colton Looney's 20 points. Garrett Long contributed 16 points, while Stephen Behil chipped in with 15. The Pirates controlled the paint, scoring 36 of their points inside, and out-rebounded Linfield 39 to 30.
The Wildcats finished the game with six steals and 14 assists but were ultimately unable to overcome their first half struggles. Linfield moves to 6-10 on the season and 3-4 in conference play while Whitworth advances to 15-2 overall and 6-2 in the NWC.
NEXT
Linfield continues their road trip on Saturday afternoon with a visit to Walla Walla where it takes on the Whitman Blues at 4 p.m.