Whitworth faces tough challenges

The Whitworth Pirates men and women kick off a key Northwest Conference basketball weekend tonight when they host George Fox in the Fieldhouse.

Today’s doubleheader, starting with the women at 6 p.m., begins the second half of the NWC season.

The men are holding down third place in the NWC at 5-3 (11-6 overall), the last spot to make the conference’s postseason tournament. The Bruins, who took the first meeting between the schools, 79-69 in overtime, sit a game behind. The first game was one of the Pirates’ most disheartening losses, as they led by 21 early in the second half before George Fox sent it into overtime on a last-second putback.

Whitworth senior forward Lance Pecht was named the NWC player of the week for his play in the Pirates’ two wins last week. Pecht, from West Valley High, scored a career-high 29 against Whitman and 17 against Pacific.

The Pirates women, who are tied with Saturday’s opponent, Linfield (4-4), for fifth, were also victims of a Bruins comeback in December. The Pirates (10-6 overall) led by two at the half before going cold in the second half and losing 58-42. George Fox (15-2, 6-2 and second in the NWC) has been ranked as high as fourth nationally and is currently ranked 14th after an 85-84 home overtime loss to Pacific Lutheran last week.