ELLENSBURG, Wash- Central Washington Men's basketball had four players in double digits leading them to the 129-61 win over Langara College on Wednesday night.
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH BRANDON RINTA
"I thought we had some good defensive stretches tonight. Langara's got a very up-tempo high-powered offense that's been averaging over 90 points a game, and for us to hold them to 61 I thought was really good for us. I think on the offensive end I think it was good to get in another good rhythm and see different guys be able to get in there and contribute. That's always nice when everyone can get in and score and get it going from the three-point line."

Rinta added, "I believe this team can shoot it we just haven't always been able to do it to the level we are capable of, and so it's nice to be able to have."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first five minutes went back and forth. Matt Poquette was first to put the 'Cats on the board, while Royce Seargent for the visiting Falcons returned the favor, hitting a 3 and a layup. A layup from Xavier Kamalu-Vargas sparked a 14-0 run for CWU. They kept their efficient offense going and built a 62-36 lead at the break. Samaad Hector drained a three to start the second half and pushed the lead to 29. The Wildcats paired great scoring with ball movement and consistent rebounding to claim the 129-61 victory.

Samaad Hector led offensively, scoring 19 points, and corralling 7 rebounds. Isaiah Banks scored 17, Matt Poquette added 16, and Camron McNeil had 11. Matt Poquette had nine rebounds in the game.  The Wildcats shot 63% from the field and poured in 10 from beyond the arc. The charity stripe was a crucial part of the victory. CWU went 17-20 for a scorching 85%.
In the loss, Langara was led by Sargeant Royce who posted 24 points on 9-14 from the field, four threes, and two free throws. Langara shot 29.6% from the field, made 8 threes, and converted all eleven free throws.
 
MATT POQUETTE
Senior forward Matt Poquette eclipsed 1000 career points tonight. His 1,001st point came with 14:15 left in the 2^nd half. Brock Gilbert dished a pass to Poquette who nailed the jumper. Poquette has put up great scoring numbers each season at Central including his 2021-22 season where he scored 333 points.



UP NEXT
The Wildcats will rest up until Monday when they travel to Yakima. CWU will square off against Walla Walla at Yakima Valley Community College. Tip-Off is at 7 p.m.