The Linfield men’s basketball team wrapped up the regular season in outstanding fashion, earning its first Northwest Conference playoff spot since 2001.
The Wildcats trounced Pacific Lutheran University Feb.20, 96-67. The following evening, the ’Cats beat Pacific University, 92-74.
In his final two regular season games, senior forward Erik Olson hit a total of 10 three-pointers. The tenth three point shot marked number 60 for the year, breaking Linfield’s record most three-point field goals in a single season.
“Before the season started, one of my individual goals was to break that record,” Olson said. “To accomplish that goal is special.”
In the contest Feb. 20, the Wildcats took an early lead. Ahead by four points with 15 minutes remaining in the half, the ’Cats went on a 17-2 run, extending the lead to 31-12. Linfield entered halftime with a 20-point advantage.
The Wildcats came out strong during the second half, building a 74-43 lead with 11 minutes to play, and they didn’t look back.
Olson led the scoring with 19 points, but junior forward Stephen Dennis came off the bench explosively, achieving a game-high 11 rebounds. The ’Cats made 10 three-pointers and shot 55 percent from the field.
The following night, Linfield continued its sharp shooting. The Wildcats drained 10 three-pointers in the first half as they entered into halftime with a 27-point lead.
Olson was the high-point player once again, putting up a game-high 27 points in a historical performance. Junior guard Cody Tesoro also had an incredible game, tallying 22 points, all of which he scored in the first half.
The victories gave Linfield a 10-6 NWC record play, and its first NWC playoff advance since 2001.
The Wildcats traveled to Spokane, Wash. for their first-round match-up Feb. 26 to face NWC runner-up Whitworth University.
“We will need to play an up-tempo game,” Olson said. “They’re a half-court offensive style team, so if we can make it an up-and-down game, we’ll have a real advantage.”