ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team opens their 2021 slate at home against Seattle Pacific.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Friday, February 19
Vs Seattle Pacific
6:00 p.m.
Nicholson Pavilion
Ellensburg, WA
 
Saturday, February 20
At Seattle Pacific
7:00 p.m.
Brougham Pavilion
Seattle, WA
 
QUOTABLE
"It is going to feel good for all of these guys to be back in a game Jersey playing a college basketball game," CWU Head Coach Brandon Rinta said. "Opening up against SPU and the defending conference champs is going to be a challenge we are all grateful for. 
 
We are still working to get in game shape and there are going to be a lot of things we will have to learn on the fly, but I am excited to see this team make the most of this opportunity."
 
SCOUTING SEATTLE PACIFIC
The Falcons enter the week at 5-3 after having their five-game winning streak snapped last week by Saint Martin's, 80-66.  Divant'e Moffitt registered 27 points in the loss, while the Falcons shot just 38 percent from the floor.
 
Thus far in 2021, nine Falcons have established a career-high in points scored in a game.  Harry Cavell is the only SPU player to reach double digits in each game. 
 
Seattle Pacific is averaging 77.2 points per game and converting at a season clip of 46.3 percent from the field.  They are holding their opponents to a shooting percentage of 45.4 and 75.4 points per game.
 
Moffitt leads the scoring efforts at 18.6 points per game, followed by Cavell at 17.4 points per game. Cavell has struggled, however, beyond the arc.  He has only knocked down 29.3 percent of his three attempts, but is still converting at a clip of 46.2 percent from the field in total.  Cavell has also been the Falcons' top free throw shooter, entering the week at 91.1 percent made.
 
Defensively, Cavell sits atop the Falcons' rebounding efforts.  He has hauled in 63 total rebounds, 14 of which have been offensive, to average 7.9 per game.  The Falcons have posted a rebounding margin of +2.6 on the season, outrebounding opponents 33.6-31.0.  They have also recorded 54 steals to their opponents' 49 and have out-swatted opponents 29-26.
 
LAST FIRST TIME OUT
Friday's contest will mark the first game for Central Washington after last week's matchup with Northwest Nazarene was postponed. 
 
The Crimson and Black finished last season with a 17-11 mark, including a 10-10 record in GNAC play.
 
COVID DISCLAIMER
Per Washington state, Kittitas County Health Board, and the GNAC spectators will not be allowed at events.  Schedules are subject to change at any time pending decisionsl from the health board and other local and regional authorities.