NAMPA, Idaho. – The Central Washington University Wildcats men's basketball team (2-2) kicked off the Northwest Nazarene Thanksgiving Classic with an 85-63 win over the Jessup University Warriors Friday evening at the Johnson Sports Center.

Quoting Head Coach Brandon Rinta
"Our guys did a great job of moving the ball and creating for each other. Holden led that charge with six assists.
It was good to see Garrett get in a rhythm like that. Without a doubt one of the more impressive offensive performances I've seen. 39 points and 8 rebounds is a good night.

Notable Stats

• Garrett Anderson was the main story for the Wildcats offensive success. The junior guard from Phoenix, Ariz went 14-21, including six three-pointers, for 39 total points and a .667 shooting percentage.
• Anderson also led the 'Cats in rebounds with eight total boards. Mitch Brizee was second in rebounds, including four offensive boards.
• Cavin Holden led the team in assists with six total.

First Half

• Central started the game with a 6-0 run with a pair of three-pointers from Anderson and Jordan Clark.
• Jessup answered with a three-point shot and a layup to trail 6-5 with 17:21 in the first.
• A 1:40 scoring drought from both teams was broken when Holden hit a jump shot to lead 8-5.
• A Warrior free throw and tip-in tied the match at 8-8, and the teams traded a pair of two-point plays to extend the tie to 10-10.
• The Wildcats fought to build on the lead, but Jessup stayed close and tied it back up at 21-21.
• CWU broke the tie and went on a 23-10 run to finish the first half leading 44-31.

Second Half

• The 'Cats continued their momentum into the second half with a 9-4 run to lead 53-35.
• The Warriors tried to cut into the lead with a 9-5 run to trail 58-44.
• The teams traded a pair of free throws before Central went on a 6-0 run to extend its lead to 66-46.
• Jessup scored four points through free throws, but the Wildcats continued to build the lead to 75-50 off plays from Anderson, Sanders, and Eli Williams.
• Anderson went on to score the final 10 points to close out the game with the Crimson and Black winning 85-63.

Up Next
The Wildcats continue the Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday, Nov 23, taking on the Westmont College Warriors from the Johnson Sports Center at 4:30 p.m. MST.