PORTLAND, Ore. – The Multnomah University men's basketball team gave eighth-ranked Northwest Christian a run for their money in the opening half of play but couldn't find enough offense in the end, losing to the Beacons 100-79 on Friday night on Jim Skagen Court.
 
Multnomah (4-21, 1-16 CCC) lived by the 3-points line against the Beacons, shooting a total of 46 three-pointers, the most in a game by any Cascade Collegiate Conference team this season. Northwest Christian improves to 23-4 overall, 16-1 in conference play to hold first place in the standings.
 
The first three baskets for Multnomah came from behind the arc as they took an early 9-1 over the nationally ranked Beacons. The Lions improved that lead after a layup by senior guard Blake Updike made it 27-13 with just under 10 minutes to go in the half.
 
Led by Javonte Byrd and Jay Mayernik, Northwest Christian turned the game around, ending the first half on a 29-7 run to take an eight point advantage, 42-34, heading into the locker rooms.
 
After starting 0-of-3 in the first half, freshman Jason Wyncoop hit six three points in the second half along with three free throws to lead his team with a career high 21 points. Following him was another freshman in Ben Grandle who totaled five threes for 17 points, helping MU to finish with 17 made 3-pointers.
 
Updike scored all 14 of his points in the first half while Thomas Simien contributed 13 points and seven rebounds and Jordan Paris ended with seven rebounds, eight points and six assists.
 
Byrd finished with a team high 18 points for NCU while Donta Harris added 17 points and Austin Kuemper had nine points and a game high 14 rebounds.
 
The Beacons used a 46-33 rebounding advantage over the Lions while shooting 53 percent from the field, including 47 percent from the 3-point line.
 
Northwest Christian earned their largest lead of the night with just over three minutes to play, after a layup by Remi White made in 96-70.
 
The Lions will return to action tomorrow night as they welcome in Corban for the final home conference game of the season while the Beacons will travel to No. 24 Warner Pacific for the NAIA Game of the Week.