BELLINGHAM, Wash. (Feb. 7) – The Central Washington University men's basketball team (9-12, 3-10) nearly completed a comeback against Western Washington University (12-11, 6-7), but the Vikings were able to hold on for a 91-86 victory.
 
"We competed and played as a team tonight," CWU Head Coach Brandon Rinta said. "Unfortunately we had too many turnovers and some key defensive breakdowns in the second half.  We let Jasinky get going and he proved to be the difference."
 
Western's offense raced off to a 7-2 start, but a jumper from Jeryn Lucas and a three from Zellie Hudson levelled the score at 7-7. 
 
The first half erupted into a see-saw affair.  The Wildcats and Vikings traded baskets, and the lead, throughout the first half to a tune of 10 lead changes in the opening stanza.
 
The Vikings took a slim 40-39 lead into the locker room at half time.  Central finished the first half with a shooting percentage of 55.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc.  Western shot just 40 percent from the floor, but knocked down five treys to the Wildcats' four.  The Vikings attempted 17 threes, while the Crimson and Black threw up just eight.
 
After retaking the court for the second half, both teams once again jostled for momentum early.  The Vikings gained an early advantage, pulling ahead by 11, with 12 minutes to play in regulation.  Central went back to work on offense, chipping away at the Vikings' lead.  With under three minutes remaining in regulation, a layup from Jackson Price brought the Wildcats within six, 87-81. 
 
Price then knocked down a three, bringing the Wildcats within three.  After a Western turnover, Price was fouled by Leif Anderson and converted both free throws to pull Central back within one with just 23 seconds left to play.  Western was able to hold off the comeback attempt to secure the victory. 
 
The Vikings took over half of their total shots beyond the arc, finishing 14-for-33 from three-point land.  They also hauled in 10 offensive rebounds and scored 13 points off of turnovers.  The Wildcats controlled the paint, however, only allowing the Vikings to score 16 points underneath the basket.
 
Lucas led the Wildcats with 20 points, while Hudson finished with 19.  Price scored 17 points and picked up three assists.  The Crimson and Black scored 46 points in the paint, while the reserves chipped in 25 points.  Trevor Jasinsky led the Vikings with 33 points.
 
Central Washington is back in action on Saturday (Feb. 9) for another GNAC contest against Simon Fraser.  Tip-off is currently scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Burnaby.