WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Pacific men’s basketball team faced a tough matchup against Whitman, falling 92-88 in a Northwest Conference game. Five players scored in double figures, but they couldn’t keep pace with the Blues.
Junior Anthony Hrboka stood out, leading with 22 points and five assists. Senior Lucas Gray added 20 points and six steals. Junior Max Vacco contributed with 15 points, while Senior Brody Baumgartner and Junior Ryder Mackay chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Mackay also grabbed eight rebounds.
Despite hitting 16 steals and capitalizing on 25 Whitman turnovers, Pacific struggled against the Blues’ efficient shooting, which included hitting 14 of 26 from beyond the arc—giving them a striking 63% shooting from the field.
The game was competitive from the start, with eight ties and 12 lead changes. Pacific went into halftime ahead, 47-42, and even built a lead of 11 points early in the second half. However, Whitman clawed back, tying the game at 70-70 with just under 10 minutes left.
In the final minutes, Whitman took control after extending their lead to seven points. Pacific made a strong effort, getting within two points, but fell short as the game ended with a dunk from Whitman.
With this loss, Pacific’s record is now 1-1 in the NWC and 5-6 overall. They will be looking to bounce back when they face Whitworth on Saturday at 5 p.m.
In recent years, team performance has also been shaped by the challenges of COVID-19, affecting training routines and player availability. Teams adapting to these changes often find success by emphasizing teamwork and chemistry. As noted by sports analysts, these factors can be key for teams trying to navigate tough conference schedules.
For fans interested in following Pacific Athletics, updates are available on their website, GoBoxers.com, and social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
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