MONMOUTH, Ore. (Feb. 23) – The Central Washington University men's basketball team (11-15, 5-13) fell to Western Oregon University (19-8, 12-6), 77-62, in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
 
"The final score isn't an indicator of how our guys battled tonight on the road," CWU Head Coach Brandon Rinta said. "We did a lot of things well. Unfortunately, we just had too many turnovers and gave up too many offensive rebounds."
 
Western Oregon jumped out to early lead and held their advantage throughout the first.  The Wolves reached a double-digit lead, 30-20, with 5:17 left in the first stanza. 
 
The Wildcats chipped away at the deficit, ending the half down by just four at 37-33.  Jeryn Lucas scored 13 points in the first half, shooting 50 percent from the floor, and 2-for-3 from beyond the arc.  Central Washington as a unit shot 48 percent and 3-for-6 from three-point range.  The Crimson and Black reserves outscored the Wolves' reserves 14-13 in the first half.
 
A jumper from Zellie Hudson opened the second half, putting the Wildcats behind by two.  Lewis Pope knocked down a three two minutes later to bring the score to 39-38.
 
The pendulum swung from bench to bench in the early minutes of the second half.  The Wolves' lead bounced from one to five until a three from Lucas tied the game at 45-45.  A layup from Hudson on the next possession gave the 'Cats their first lead, 47-45. 
 
Hayden Nelson gave the Wildcats another lead with 12:13 to play in regulation with a layup after the Wolves tied it with a tip-in from Cameron Cranston. 
 
Malcolm Cola knocked down a jumper to extend the 'Cats lead to 51-48.  A free throw from Brandell Evans and a dunk from Bunster Souza gave the Wolves a 54-51 advantage with 9:11 remaining in regulation.
 
From there the Wolves did not look back. They extended their lead to 74-55 with 2:30 to play. 
 
The Wildcats allowed 25 points off of turnovers, while Western Oregon allowed just nine.  Central managed 22 points in the paint, eight second chance points, and the reserves scored 25 total points.
 
The Crimson and Black are back inaction next Thursday against Seattle Pacific in Nicholson Pavilion.  Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.