NAMPA, Idaho. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team used a strong second-half run to get the victory and sweep its season series against Northwest Nazarene Saturday evening to kick off the downhill section of the GNAC season.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
 

• Final: Central Washington (91), Northwest Nazarene (76)
• Records: CWU (11-10, 5-5 GNAC), NNU (12-7, 6-4 GNAC)
• Location: Johnson Sports Center (Nampa, Idaho)

 
QUOTING CWU HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH BRANDON RINTA:
 
"That was an impressive performance by this team. The energy and effort they gave for 40 minutes is what it takes to beat a good team like NNU on the road. Brad was in a great rhythm from the tip and kept finding ways to make plays for us. Sisk came up with some big rebounds and blocks. Everyone that went in had a positive impact on the game."
 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
 

• Both teams came out quick to start the game, with the Wildcats taking an early 4-3 lead with Jordan Clark and Easton Reagan each hitting a three-pointer. Then, Bradley Swillie scored five straight points to give CWU a 9-3 lead. NNU responded with a 5-2 run to cut the lead to three points, but Swillie answered again for the 'Cats with another three-pointer.
• The Nighthawks fought back, though, and went on a 10-2 run to take an 18-16 lead with just under 14:00 left in the half. The teams began to trade points and the lead through the next 10 minutes with NNU taking a 32-31 lead with 3:50 remaining. The neck-and-neck battle continued for the final few minutes of the half as Central took a two-point lead into halftime at 40-38.
• The Crimson and Black shot out the gate with a pair of three-pointers from Garrett Marrs and Clark to make it an eight-point lead early on. Reagan stopped the run with a layup, but the Wildcats then hit a stride, going on an 8-2 run to take a 54-42 lead with 15:53 left.
• The Nighthawks appeared to have some offensive presence after trailing 48-58, but then the 'Cats came alive, scoring eight straight points to make it an 18-point lead with 11:38 remaining. The Wildcats continued to keep a comfortable lead as the time ticked down, bringing the score to 78-61 with 5:50 left. Northwest Nazarene fought to cut down the lead, but the Crimson and Black kept the offense rolling as CWU took the game 91-76.
   

 
STATS FROM THE GAME:
 

• Swillie erupted for a game-high 25 points and added 4 assists, shooting 7-11 from the floor and a perfect 8-8 at the line.
• Eli Williams scored 14 points with 4 assists and went a flawless 9-9 on free throws.
• Clark added 13 points and three assists, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc.
• Xavier Kamalu-Vargas chipped in 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
• Calvin Sisk dominated inside with 11 points, a team-best 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks while shooting a perfect 5-5.
• Chae Haynes provided a spark off the bench with 7 points and 6 boards.
• The Wildcats shot 52.8 percent from the floor, 40 percent from beyond the arc, and 73.5 percent from the free-throw line.
• The Nighthawks were led by Easton Reagan, who had 30 points, eight rebounds, and one steal, while shooting 84.6 percent from the field.
• NNU shot 48.1 percent from the floor, 38.1 percent from three, and 84.2 percent at the free-throw line.
• The 'Cats led the rebound battle 33-24.

 
 
SERIES HISTORY:
 

• CWU leads the all-time series 45-21.
• The Wildcats are currently on a three-game win streak
• Central is 17-11 against the Nighthawks at Johnson Sports Center.

 
UP NEXT:
 

• The 'Cats continue their road trip next week, heading up to the Last Frontier to take on the Alaska schools, starting on Thursday, Feb. 5 against Alaska Anchorage. Tip off from the Alaska Airlines Center is set for 8:00 p.m. PST.