By Harry Cummins
The NAIA's leading returning scorer, Zach Richardson, led 6 players in double figures while sophomore teammates Tyrese Taylor and Neyland Block swept the boards for a combined 22 rebounds in spearheading the Multnomah University Lions to a lopsided 122-60 win Wednesday night over neighboring Portland Bible College in a season-opening contest for both teams.
The Lions, a member of the Cascade Collegiate Conference, connected on 20 of 43 shots (46.5%) from beyond the arc, continuing their historic reliance on the 3 point shot. Multnomah holds the all-time NAIA record for 3 pt baskets in a game with 38, set 3 years ago against Pacific University.
Kell Estep made 4 of his 5 attempts from three, while Grant Dunn was 4 of 6 from distance, and Forrest Smith was a perfect 3 for 3 from long-range. Freshman Terin Johnson converted all 4 of his 2 point field goals and finished with 10 points. The Lions concluded the night shooting 57.7% and amassed 66 points in the second half while shooting 60% for the stanza.
Taylor (14 pts) and Richardson (15 pts) were both 6 for 11 from the field to pace the Lions. 14 Multnomah players hit the scoresheet and they enjoyed a hefty 61-38 edge on the boards. Jaeden Ingram and Amande Uchima had 7 rebounds each, while Taylor had 12 and Block added 10.
Multnomah (1-0) seeks to erase memories of a 1-24 season last year, as they now travel to NCAA University of Puget Sound on Friday. Armed with a deep and athletic bench, Coach Curt Bickley will be challenged to find the right combinations to put on the floor.
A nice problem to have.
hcummins@aol.com
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