ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team (15-6, 9-2 GNAC) set the scoring to cruise control, beating the University of Alaska Anchorage 76-66 Thursday night in Nicholson Arena.
Quoting Head Coach Brandon Rinta
"The team did a great job of adjusting after the first 10 minutes to guard the three-point line better. That and our ability to take care of the basketball was the difference tonight. Mitch, Jordan, and Cavin did a great job of finding their teammates connecting on 14 assists. Offensively Garrett and Maverick came up big for us. They were both in a great rhythm all night long."
Notable Stats
- Garrett Anderson had an impressive night on both ends of the court, leading the team in scoring with 29 points and rebounds with six total boards.
- Maverick Sanders and Cavin Holden also had a strong offensive night with Sanders scoring 16 points and Holden recording 10 points.
- Jordan Clark and Mitch Brizee both led in assists with five each.
- Anderson and Sanders each recorded one block each for the team's only blocks.
First Half
- Central started off the scoring, with five quick points from Jordan Clark and Maverick Sanders.
- UAA answered with a three-pointer from Jesse Stines to make it 3-5.
- The Wildcats held the lead as the Seawolves remained close behind.
- Trailing 13-18, Anchorage scored eight unanswered points to take a 21-18 lead with 8:51 left in the half.
- The 'Cats responded with 14 straight points to take a 32-21 lead.
- The Seawolves got a pair of free throws and Anderson answered with a three-pointer to close out the half as Central led 35-24.
Second Half
- The Seawolves opened the second half with a three-pointer from Bishop Tosi.
- Central answered and the team began to trade points as the Wildcats held the steady 11-point lead.
- UAA attempted to chip away at the lead, but CWU appeared to have an answer for anything the Seawolves tried.
- The Seawolves had a chance in the final minute after getting five quick points to trail 64-70, but foul trouble put the 'Cats on the line and the Crimson and Black held on to win 76-66.
Up Next
The Wildcats remain home for one more game, hosting the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks on Saturday, Feb 8. Tip-off from Nicholson Arena is scheduled for 6:15 p.m.