PORTLAND, Ore.—Pulling away with an 8-0 run to end the first half, No. 14-ranked Western Oregon University defeated Concordia University 71-60 in GNAC men's basketball action on Tuesday night.

Western Oregon (12-1, 4-1 GNAC) jumped out to a 5-0 lead thanks to a Malik Morgan steal, a fouled layup and a bonus free throw. The quick start propelled the team to a wire-to-wire win as WOU never relinquished the lead.

The Wolves extended the advantage to 13-4 on a Riley Hawken transition 3-pointer before Concordia (4-9, 0-5 GNAC) rallied to cut the deficit to a single point (15-14) following back-to-back buckets by Christopher Edward.

The Wolves immediately pumped the lead back up to a 10-point margin (28-18) thanks to a tip-in by Tanner Omlid.

After another mini CU rally, Morgan drained consecutive 3-pointers to make it a 36-26 game with 2:45 to play in the half.

Moments later, Vince Boumann capped the 8-0 spree to end the half for the largest lead of the game for a halftime score of 38-26.

The Cavs were able to pull within eight points midway through the second half before falling by the 11-point margin.

Boumann shared game-high honors with Morgan with 17 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Morgan dropped three of only five made 3-pointers by WOU on the night as the team struggled from distance at 26.3 percent (5-of-19).

Edward paced the Cavaliers with 17 points and 11 boards while teammate Bryan Michael added 12 points.

The Wolves will return to action on Jan. 6 when they host Montana State Billings in Monmouth. Opening tip against the Yellowjackets is set 7:30 p.m. inside the New P.E. Gymnasium.