SPOKANE, Wash. – Michael Smith scored 20 points to lead Whitworth to a 79-66 win over visiting Linfield in a Northwest Conference men's basketball game on Friday night at the Whitworth Fieldhouse.

The Pirates (15-9 overall, 10-5 NWC) broke a two-game skid and moved into a tie for second place in the NWC standings.  The Wildcats (10-14, 7-8) likely need a win tomorrow night at first place Whitman to qualify for the conference tournament.

The first half featured wide swings of momentum.  After Linfield took an 8-6 lead on a jumper by Carson Bonine, Whitworth went on a 14-0 run that featured eight points by Rowan Anderson and six from Smith.  Anderson hit a pair of three pointers, while Smith had a trey and three free throws to put the Pirates ahead 20-8.  The Wildcats fought back to pull within 26-23 on a basket by Logan Morrill.  The Bucs retook momentum and went ahead 40-27 on Jerry Twenge's three-pointer with 3:50 left in the half, but Whitworth would not score again in the period.  Linfield scored the final two baskets to trail 40-31 at the break.  The Pirates were 15 of 33 (45%) from the floor in the first half, including 5 of 20 (25%) from beyond the arc.  The Wildcats finished 13 of 29 (45%), including 4 of 10 from three-point range. 

The teams traded baskets for the first six minutes of the second half, Linfield staying within 50-42 on a layup by Trey Bryant.  Whitworth built some separation with a 12-2 run, including back-to-back threes from Twenge and Anderson, to open a 64-45 lead with just over nine minutes left.  The Pirates continued to pull away and took their largest lead at 74-50 on Twenge's jumper with under five minutes to play.  The Wildcats were able to trim the margin in the final four minutes, but never seriously threatened a comeback.

Whitworth improved its shooting to 16 of 25 (64%) in the second half, 6 of 9 (67%) from beyond the arc.  Linfield made only 12 of 30 (40%) after the break, and was ice-cold (3 of 17, 18%) from three-point range. 

Smith was 8 of 14 from the field for his 20 points.  Anderson finished with 16 points, including four three-pointers, and four assists.  Twenge had 15 points and seven rebounds.  JT McDermott grabbed nine boards as the Bucs finished with a 35-29 edge in rebounding.  McDermott also dished four assists.

Alex Jaczko was the only Wildcat in double figures with 12 points.  Bryan finished with eight points and five rebounds. 

Whitworth split the season series with the Wildcats, each winning on its own home court.

The Pirates will close the regular season on Saturday with a home game against Willamette.