Wolves Muscle Way to 76-67 Win Over Saints

While the Wolves led the entire game, SMU did pull to within four points (62-58) with 5:13 remaining, but Western Oregon quickly answered with a 9-2 run to salt the contest away.

Salem-News.com Sports

LACEY, Wash. - Western Oregon controlled the boards and led from start to finish on the scoreboard during a 76-67 men's basketball win over Saint Martin's on Saturday night at the SMC Pavillion.

The win moved WOU's record to 10-8 on the season and to 3-6 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Saint Martin's dropped to 9-9 overall and 4-5 in conference play.

The Wolves had a 45-30 rebound edge, and their size advantage in the paint helped force the Saints into 36 percent coldness from the field. Meanwhile, the Wolves never trailed in shooting 54 percent on the night, including 57 percent in the first half when they built a 38-24 lead.

Mike McLaughlin led all scorers with 23 points, and he posted a double-double with 11 rebounds. 7-3 Liam Hughes also had a double-double with 11 points, 13 boards and three blocked shots, while Sam Kelly (15) and Travis Kuhns (11) were also in double digits.

Jake Linton led Saint Martin's with 21 points and Bill Richardson added 20 points and seven rebounds for the hosts.

While the Wolves led the entire game, SMU did pull to within four points (62-58) with 5:13 remaining, but Western Oregon quickly answered with a 9-2 run to salt the contest away.

Western Oregon now returns home for a pair of games this week, hosting Western Washington on Thursday and Central Washington on Saturday. Both games start at 7:00 PM.

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