FAIRBANKS, Alaska. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team (9-5, 3-1 GNAC) found its rhythm early and never looked back, defeating the University of Alaska Fairbanks 93-74 Thursday evening from the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Quoting Head Coach Brandon Rinta
"This team has been really focused all week and it showed tonight. That was a great team win. Holden had a special performance, but everyone played a part in this one."
Notable Stats
- Cavin Holden records a career-high 35 points to lead the 'Cats in scoring, including a .700 three-point shooting percentage.
- Holden also recorded 1.06 points per minute in his 33 minutes on the court.
- Three other Wildcat players recorded double-digit points with Jordan Clark (14), Maverick Sanders (13), and Garrett Anderson (12).
First Half
- Both teams started with a competitive battle, keeping a close score for the first ten minutes.
- The 'Cats would get an edge to take a 17-10 lead off a pair of three-pointers from Holden and Eli Williams.
- Fairbanks responded with an 11-4 run to tie it up at 21-21.
- Central then hit a stride, scoring 11 unanswered points to lead 32-21.
- The Wildcats continued to carry momentum with a 12-8 run to close out the first half with a 44-29 lead.
Second Half
- CWU started the second half with four quick points to make it a 19-point lead.
- The Nanooks began to show some fight as they chipped away at the lead.
- The 'Cats held a commanding lead for the first eight minutes of the half, but UAF found a rhythm and scored 10 unanswered points to cut the lead to 66-60 with 10:01 remaining.
- However, the Crimson and Black flipped the momentum and went on a 16-4 run to rebuild a strong 18-point lead with 5:38 remaining.
- Central held a steady score to close out the game with a 9-10 run to win 93-74.
Up Next
The Wildcats head south to Anchorage to take on the Seawolves of the University of Alaska Anchorage on Saturday, Jan 11. Tip-off from the Alaska Airlines Center is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. PST.
