ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team (5-3, 1-0 GNAC) began conference play with a win over Simon Fraser University (4-7, 0-1 GNAC), defeating the Red Leafs 91-65 Thursday evening at Nicholson Arena.
Quoting Head Coach Brandon Rinta
"That was our best offensive performance so far. The ball movement was fun to watch connecting on 25 assists. Cavin, Mitch, Jordan, and Maverick were incredible in that area combining for 22 of our assists and only having 2 TO's.
It was good to see Maverick get in a rhythm with 22, 10, and 6. That is as good of a performance as he has had in college. He and Garrett were great tonight scoring and rebounding.
I thought Cavin did a great job defensively on Coquia tonight. He is a big key for SFU."
Notable Stats
First Half
- Both teams traded points for the first three minutes before Central got an edge and scored seven points to lead 17-11.
- Simon Fraser responded with five points to trail 17-16.
- CWU built on its lead by going on an 8-2 run to lead. 25-18.
- SFU fought back and went on a 9-2 run to tie it back up at 27-27.
- The Red Leafs went cold and the 'Cats hit a surge, scoring 14 unanswered points to lead 41-27.
- Simon Fraser chipped away at the lead and finished the first half trailing 46-36.
Second Half
- The action picked up quickly with both teams scoring big plays in the first minute of the half.
- CWU followed with a seven-point run to lead 56-40, but SFU answered right back with seven of their own.
- The Wildcats began to build a rhythm and increased their distance from the Red Leafs, answering single runs with multiple scoring chances and three-pointers.
- The Crimson and Black kept the momentum going to close out the game, winning 91-65.
Up Next
The Wildcats are back this Saturday, Dec 7 as they take on their rivals, the Western Washington Vikings. Tip-off from Nicholson Arena is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
