By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University built a 46-39 halftime lead, but Western Oregon University rallied in the second half for an 89-77 victory over the Bearcats in an exhibition game on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Cone Field House. Willamette was led by junior post Cameron Mitchell (Portland, OR/Grant HS), who scored 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Western Oregon was led by Kyle Long with 17 points and by Mike McLaughlin with 16. Long and McLaughlin also contributed eight rebounds apiece.

The Bearcats will play their alumni game on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Cone Field House. Game time is set for 7 p.m. (PST). WU opens the 2008-09 season on Friday, Nov. 21 at the Duane Wolfe Memorial Shootout against College of Idaho, which is hosting the tournament.

Stats and an extended story will be posted later.