Loggers Historic Run Dashed By Bulldogs

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A hot-shooting Redlands team became the first to defeat the Puget Sound men's basketball team 90-72 in the final game of the National Invitational Tournament in San Antonio, Texas. The Loggers (10-1) forced 20 turnovers from the Bulldogs (4-5) but couldn't overcome their hot-shooting.

The Bulldogs shot 61.4 percent on the night to pace the win, including 78.9 percent in the first half. Despite Redlands high percentage, the Loggers were within seven points at halftime and had the game tied in the second half.

A three-pointer from Ryan Rogers with 10:40 left in the game knotted the score at 53-53, completing an 8-1 run. However, the Bulldogs responded with a 14-1 run over the next three minutes to take a commanding 67-54 lead.

Derek Jobe led the Loggers with a season-high 17 points. Anthony Gittens contributed 14 points while Riggs Yarbro had 13 and Rex Holmes added 11 points to complete four Loggers in double digits. Holmes added five assists.

The Bulldogs torched the nets in the first half to build their initial lead on 15-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-5 in three-point tries. Stephen Call led the squad with 25 points in the game while Brian Kuklok had 17 points.

The Loggers historic run came to an end after an unprecedented 10-0 start to the season. Their 10 wins is the most since the 1968-69 season when the Loggers (then a part of the NCAA Division II) started 13-0.

The Loggers will take a short break before jumping back into NWC play on Jan. 6 when they host Whitman at 8 p.m.