ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team (12-5, 6-1 GNAC) finished its homestand 2-0 after defeating Montana State Billings (11-9, 2-5 GNAC) Saturday night, stinging the Yellowjackets 85-69 at the Nicholson Arena.
Quoting Head Coach Brandon Rinta
"That was a hard-fought game versus a good MSUB team. We did a good job of defending the three in the second half. Maverick came up with some big buckets throughout the whole game. Jordan, Cavin, and Garrett all came up with big threes down the stretch."
Notable Stats
First Half
- The Wildcats started the game strong with a 10-4 run.
- MSUB answered with a pair of three-pointers from Jalen Tot and Famous Lefthand, then a following free throw put the Yellowjackets up 11-10.
- Central went on a six-point run to take the lead back at 16-11.
- The 'Cats built the lead up to 24-15 after an 8-4 run.
- The Yellowjackets responded with a 16-7 run to tie it up at 31-31 with 2:51 remaining in the first half.
- CWU stopped the run and answered with an 8-3 run to close the first half strong leading 39-34.
Second Half
- Central started the second half with a six-point run to take a 45-34 lead.
- The Yellowjackets returned the favor with six points of their own to cut the lead to five.
- The Wildcats held a steady lead for the first seven minutes of the half before MSUB hit another six-point run to make it a 53-51 game.
- CWU got some breathing room, going on a 13-3 run to build its lead back up to 66-54.
- The Yellowjackets persevered and continued to chip away at the lead, getting as close as six points with a minute remaining.
- The final minute consisted of strong attempts from MSUB to cut the lead, but the Wildcats earned key free throws to put it away as the Crimson and Black won 82-69
Up Next
The Wildcats head across the Cascades to Lacey, Wash. to take on the #17 Saint Martin's University Saints Thursday, Jan 23. Tip-off from the Marcus Pavilion is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
