Men's Basketball | 2/23/2012 9:55:00 PM

Box Score [Box score]

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Kyle Long scored 17 points and pulled down a team-high eight rebounds to lead the Western Oregon men's basketball team to a 67-56 win over Northwest Nazarene, on Thursday, Feb. 23rd.

WOU (18-8, 11-6 GNAC) trailed 33-30 at halftime but put together a 28-7 surge in the second half to take control of the game. The Wolves would hold NNU (12-13, 6-11 GNAC) to just 30 percent shooting in the period, after the Crusaders connected on 52 percent of their shots in the opening half.

During the second half, Blair Wheadon became the GNAC's all-time steals leader. He had three steals to go along with 15 points and five rebounds, take over the GNAC record with 213 career swipes.  His record-breaking steal came early in the second half when he stole the ball away on Jonathan Hawkins' pass.

The Wolves' second half surge was fueled by their ability to control the boards. After losing the battle of the boards 15-13 in the first half, WOU outrebounded NNU 24-13 in the second half, which included 10 on the offensive glass. The Wolves also outscored the Crusaders 20-1 in points off turnovers.

Keith Moilanen led the Crusaders with 16 points and JB Pillard had eight rebounds.

The Wolves will close out their regular season on Saturday, Feb. 25th at 2:00 p.m. This game will also be senior day, as the Wolves say goodbye to five seniors before the game.