NW Washington News

A last-second three-pointer attempt by Daniel Hornbuckle that would have won the game fell just short as the Western Washington University men's basketball game dropped a 72-70 Great Northwest Athletic Conference game vs. Western Oregon University Saturday on WECU Court in Carver Gym.

 

The Vikings dropped to 11-10 overall and 4-7 in GNAC play with their seventh loss in the last nine games. Western Oregon extended its winning streak to four consecutive games improving to 9-9 overall and 6-5 in conference play.

 

The Vikings and Wolves were deadlocked in a 39-39 game at the half, but Western Oregon used a 16-4 scoring run to break away from a 54-54 tie to build a 12-point lead with 4:43 remaining.

 

WWU charged back going on a 9-0 run, with seven points scored by Hornbuckle, to pull to within three points at 70-67. Isaac Morrow hit a three-pointer with 15-seconds remaining to pull the Vikings with within two points at 72-70, and WOU missed a pair of free throws with four seconds remaining.

 

Hornbuckle streaked down the sideline and got an open look at a long three-pointer attempt, that just miss hitting the front of the iron to give WOU the two-point victory.

 

Hornbuckle and Jonathan Ned tied for the team high with 15 points each, while BJ Kolly neared another double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Matthew Mayes and Morrow provided a spark off the bench with seven points each.

 

The game featured 12 ties and seven lead changes.

 

WOU was led by a season-high 20 points from Jahville Collins and 12 points each by John Morrill-Keeler and Daisone Hughes. Cameron Benzel neared a double-double with eight points and 14 rebounds. GNAC Preseason Player of the Year Cameron Cranston returned to the court after missing seven games with an injury scoring eight points.

Original source can be found here