SEASIDE, Calif. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team (3-1) opened the West Region Crossover with a win over the Menlo College Oaks (0-1) in the teams' first-ever matchup.
 
Quoting Head Coach Brandon Rinta
"We came out and played well in the first half today holding Menlo to 11 baskets. The second half got a little chaotic, but the team did a good job of answering their runs. Jordan got it going early and stayed steady all game long. Jamari and Brad were good tonight coming up with some big plays in the second half."
 
Notable Stats

• Jordan Clark led in scoring with 21 points, as well as assists with four total.
• Other strong scorers included Jamari Harris with 17 points, Bradley Swillie with 13, and Eli Williams with 10.
• Harris led the 'Cats in rebound with eight boards, including four offensive rebounds, followed by Swillie and Calvin Sisk, who each recorded six.
• The Wildcats shot well from the field–going 31-64 for a .484 shooting percentage, led by Harris with a .667 percentage.
• Harris and Swillie shared the lead in takeaways–each recording four steals.

 
First Half

• The game started out competitive with both teams shooting out of the gate to reach a 6-6 tie after three minute.
• Central found a couple of good jump shots from Sisk and Jalen Childs to take a four-point lead.
• Menlo responded with three points but was answered by Clark–hitting a three-pointer from the wing to make it a 13-9 lead.
• The Oaks got a layup to cut the lead, but the Wildcats answered back with a 7-0 run to make it a nine-point game with just under 11 minutes left in the first half.
• The 'Cats continued to hold a steady pressure–slowly building on the lead.
• Menlo fought to keep the game close, but the Crimson and Black found smart plays to keep the score rising and finished off the first half with a 45-25 lead into halftime.

 
Second Half

• Menlo came out fast to begin the second half–scoring six quick points to force Central into taking a timeout to slow the rush.
• The Wildcats answered, following the timeout, with five points to build the lead back to 19.
• The teams traded two points before the Oaks found four points to cut the lead to 15.
• Both teams battled for the next three minutes as CWU held a steady lead approaching the 10-minute mark.
• Then, the Oaks found a rhythm and went on an 11-2 run to cut the lead to 10.
• Menlo fought the final 10 minutes fiercely, getting as close at eight points. However, that's as close as the Oaks would get, as the Crimson and Black kept a steady flow of points to hold the lead to the end and take the 80-68 victory.

 
Up Next
The Wildcats take the court one more time in Seaside tomorrow, as they take on the hosting Cal State Monterey Bay Otters. Tip-off from the Kelp Bed is set for 5:00 p.m.