SAN MARCOS, Calif. – Camron McNeil led all scorers with 19 points, as the Central Washington University Men's Basketball team upset the 13th-ranked Cal State San Marcos Cougars, 69-60, in San Marcos on Thursday night. 

QUOTING HEAD COACH BRANDON RINTA
"Our defense kept us in the game in the first half holding them to 22 points. It was nice to finally get in a rhythm offensively in the second half and put 46 points on the board. Matt and Cam came up big for us down the stretch with some big plays, the team showed some toughness tonight coming back from down ten late in the game to win. San Marcos is a good team - that was a good road win."

HOW IT HAPPENED
McNeil led the 'Cats in points and on the glass, with his 19 points and six defensive rebounds. Colby Gennett had a big night with 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Brock Gilbert got the rock moving with a team-leading six assists and racked up five rebounds. Matt Poquette rounded out the double-digit scorers putting up 13 points for the 'Cats. 

The Wildcats started the first half a little slow falling quickly 5-15. CWU's McNeil put up seven points in four minutes bringing the 'Cats back 17-17. Back and forth they went with the 'Cats coming out of the first half with a 23-22 lead over the Cougars. 

The Wildcats had 10 turnovers in the first half, and looked to have a cleaner second. McNeil led the 'Cats with nine points in the half and snagged himself three rebounds. Samaad Hector impressed with three blocks and two rebounds. 

Out of the break and the 'Cats fought to keep their lead in this close matchup. Both teams battled, never falling more than a couple of baskets behind the other. The Wildcats finally had enough with four minutes left and finish off the Cougars with the final 69-60. The 'Cats shot 61.5% from the field, and a stellar 55.6% beyond the arc while going 9-9 for a perfect 100% from the free throw line in the second half. 

The win gets the 'Cats trip to California started hot. The Wildcats finish the game with 69 points coming off 53.2% from the field, 38.9% beyond the three, and 12-13 from the free throw line. Racking up 28 rebounds, 14 assists, and four blocks. The Wildcat bench came up big with 31 points in the match. 

UP NEXT

The Wildcats will stay in California to face Cal State Los Angeles Saturday, Nov. 19 at 3:00 pm.