Linfield Nips Holy Names in Non-Conference Game

Linfield resumes action Saturday when the ‘Cats take on Cal State-East Bay at 7:30 p.m.

A Brian Murphy basket in the closing seconds gave Linfield an 81-79 nonconference victory over Holy Names Friday night in the season opener. Photo courtesy: Linfield Athletics

OAKLAND, Calif. - A Brian Murphy basket in the closing seconds gave Linfield an 81-79 nonconference victory over Holy Names Friday night in the season opener.

Murphy finished the game with 13 points in his first game back after missing the entire 2006-2007 season due to injury.

Holy Names (3-4) trailed by as many as seven before staking a five-point lead. The Wildcats were able to separate themselves due to some timely three-point shooting in the second half. Linfield hit on 5 of 8 attempts to Holy Names’ 2 for 7 output.

After the Hawks tied the game at 79, the Wildcats inbounded the ball after an HNU timeout. After three quick passes in the final seconds, Murphy hit the game-winner as time ran out.

Linfield (1-0) was led by 17 points from Joel Paul.

Besides Murphy and Paul, the ‘Cats had three other players in double figures. Steve Taylor had 12 points off the bench on 4 of 7 shooting, while freshman K.C. Wiser and transfer Erik Olson chipped in with 11 apiece.

Josh Dozier was great for the Hawks all night long, pulling down seven rebounds to go along with his game-high 23 points and six steals. Troy Cotton also added 21 points and six rebounds for Holy Names.

NEXT:

Linfield resumes action Saturday when the ‘Cats take on host Cal State-East Bay at 7:30 p.m. Holy Names travels to face off with Whittier College Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Source: Linfield Athletics

Adding comments to these stories has been disabled. View the current sports stories Salem-News Sports