2008 Woodie Awards
Loggers end regular season with defensive victory over Linfield
Team set to face Lewis and Clark in tournament action
Sam Kussin-Shoptaw
Issue date: 2/23/07 Section: Sports
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Against Linfield, UPS was led in scoring by sophomore Jason Foster, who had 17 points. Junior Ryan DeLong had 15 points while sophomore Robert Krauel threw in another 11 points.
Timely and intense defense helped keep the Loggers stay ahead for most of the game. Linfield struggled offensively, losing the ball 30 times off turnovers, and their frustration showed on the other side of the floor as they committed 28 fouls.
The turnovers caused by the strong defense helped lead to 39 UPS points.
"Our defense on Saturday night was the definite difference for us. We caused a lot of turnovers and got a lot of easy buckets against Linfield," Foster said.
The added intensity on defense wasn't simply because of added effort.
"We made a switch defensively so that our guards were up front applying pressure, and it really paid off because we were able to force a lot of turnovers and control the tempo," Krauel said.
The Loggers' next game against Lewis and Clark will be the second time UPS will play down in Portland in the same week.
The most recent meeting between the two teams in Portland on Feb. 16, solidified the Logger's third place standing in the NWC and left UPS unable to play at Memorial Fieldhouse again this season.
The Lewis and Clark game was one of great momentum shifts and quick lead changes. The Loggers started the game strong and led most of the first half. However, a 15-4 run by the Pioneers to close out the first half left the Loggers trailing by 10 at halftime.
UPS was able to climb back into the game, pulling to within 6 points of the Pios in the final minutes of the second half. However, the Pioneers closed out the game and solidified their two-way tie for first place atop the NWC regular season standings.
Junior Taylor Marsh led the Loggers with 25 points scored in the run and gun style game.
"We obviously want to get out and run but you can't just trade buckets all game with a team like LC. This Wednesday we need to dictate with our defense first and foremost," Krauel said.
"The one added advantage for us now is that Lewis and Clark thinks by beating us last Friday they have us all figured out, but they're definitely in for a rude awakening. They'll see the Log Show in full effect on Wednesday night."
If the Log Show is in full effect Wednesday night the Loggers will advance to the NWC Tournament Championship game hosted by Whitworth, a team UPS swept during the regular season.
• Sam Kussin-Shoptaw might not be a part of the Log Show, but watch out for his gun show.
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