SPOKANE, Wash. – The Whitworth men's basketball team used a hot start to build a commanding lead and cruised to an 84-54 victory over visiting Northwest (Wash.) University on Saturday evening at the Whitworth Fieldhouse.

The Pirates (3-0) scored the first 10 points of the game and by 10 minutes into the contest had built a 17-point advantage against NAIA-member Northwest (2-4).

Christian Jurlina fueled the hot start by scoring the first eight points of the game, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Whitworth held onto its double-digit lead following the strong start and closed the half strong to take its largest lead into the break with a 47-20 advantage.  The Pirates were 18-35 (51.4 percent), including 9-18 from long range in the opening period. The Whitworth defensive effort in the first half forced 10 turnovers by the Eagles, leading to 13 points off those turnovers.

The lead stretched to as many as 36 points during the second half and the Pirates continued to shoot well, finishing the game 30-62 (48.4 percent) and holding Northwest to 34 percent from the floor (17-50).

"Today's game really started with our effort and our energy, especially on the defensive end," head coach Matt Logie said. "We were able to get stops and turnovers, and that carried over on the offensive end for us. I was really happy we were able to put a full 40 minutes together."

Jurlina finished with 20 points to lead five Pirates in double figures. Derek Isaak added 16 points while Forrest Baker and Kyle Roach each scored 11 points. George Valle finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists. 

Dak Shagren scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Eagles. Ben Tucakovic added 11 points.

Whitworth travels to compete at the Rocky Mountain Thanksgiving Classic next weekend. The Pirates will face Hamline University on Nov. 27 and battle Colorado College the following day.