EUGENE, Ore. – A three-point halftime lead turned into the biggest win ever for NCU over Southern Oregon University on Saturday night as the Beacons claimed an 86-62 victory in Cascade Conference action.
 
Southern Oregon started off hot, shooting 7-for-9 from three-point range over the first ten minutes to take an early 26-21 lead. But the Raiders went cold, missing their final 12 shots from outside, allowing the Beacons to ground and pound their way to the 24-point victory. NCU's previous best win over the Raiders was a 19-point margin during the 1999-2000 season.
 
The Beacons (8-1, 2-0 CCC) shot 52.4% from the field and were 9-for-15 from beyond the arch. They were able to turn a 38-35 halftime lead into the lopsided victory behind the strength of 6-for-7 three-point shooting in the second half.
 
Already having set a new NCU blocking record three times this season, freshman Kylor Kelley did himself one better on Saturday, posting nine blocks, the third highest single-game total in Cascade Conference history. He added 16 rebounds and six points. Four players were in double-figures for NCU, led by a 20-point night from Brendyn Taylor (pictured) who was 8-for-10 from the field and 3-for-3 from three-point range.
 
Anthony Walker came off the bench to score 16 points and Kenny Blackwell finished with 15 points, six assists and four steals. Jack Hackman added 12 points in the win with a trifecta from downtown.
 
Southern Oregon (7-5, 1-1) was led by Ben DeSaulnier with 14 points. The senior was 2-for-3 from three-point range and 5-for-8 overall. Conor Carroll was the only other player in double-figures with 11 points off the bench as he hit a trio of three-pointers.
 
NCU, currently ranked No. 13 in the NAIA, will hit the road next weekend, traveling to face No. 8 College of Idaho on Friday and Eastern Oregon on Saturday.