Men's Basketball | 12/29/2011 9:01:00 PM

Box Score [Box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon men's basketball team returned home after two weeks on the road to play in one of their most competitive games beating Seattle Pacific, 64-58, on Thursday, Dec. 29th.

With this victory the Wolves (10-2) move to 3-0 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play, a mark that hasn't been reached since the 2003-04 season. It also keeps WOU undefeated at home. Western Oregon has also now won seven straight games against Division II opponents.

Kyle Long led WOU with 14 points while Kolton Nelson netted 13 points of his own. Jamaal Veal had six rebounds and Jordan Freelander poked away five steals.

During the game WOU caused SPU to turn the ball over 19 times, but Seattle Pacific continually found ways to read Western Oregon's defense and tied the game at 54-54 with 5:35 remaining after a layup by Andy Poling.

The big shot of the game came when Nelson found himself in the right moment to be open as he fired off a wide-open 3-point shot with just 39 seconds remaining. The shot gave the Wolves a four-point lead and would be the final blow that WOU would need. Poling would cut the lead back to two on a layup  with 20 seconds left, but the Wolves would get those two points back after Veal's two free throw buckets.

The first half of the game was no different for the Wolves, as they continually had to find ways to push the ball through the Falcons' defense just to get buckets. Western Oregon was able to continue their teamwork that they have shown all season long and go on an 11-0 run giving them a 21-13 lead.

Freelander led the way as he scored six of the 11 points during the run with a 3-pointer, layup, and free throw. Kris White and Brandon Troxel contributed a layup and 3-point shot to complete the run.

As the first half crept to a close SPU clawed their way back into the game with a run of their own. The Falcons would string up a 14-3 run as Poling fired off a 3-pointer with 26 seconds remaining, giving Seattle Pacific a 34-33 lead at the half. Poling also led his team with 17 points and nine rebounds.

Western Oregon continues their home stand as they get set to welcome in Montana State Billings Yellowjackets on Saturday, Dec. 31st. Tip off at 2:00 p.m. TIckets are $6 for adults and $4 for non-WOU students. As always WOU students are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through Vendini by clicking here.