ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team closed out the CWU D2 Tip-Off Classic in impressive fashion Sunday afternoon, knocking off No. 23 Lubbock Christian, 74-62, at Nicholson Arena.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
- Final: Central Washington 74, No. 23 Lubbock Christian 62
- Records: CWU (2-1), Lubbock Christian (2-1)
- Location: Nicholson Arena (Ellensburg, Wash.)
QUOTING CWU HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH BRANDON RINTA:
"That was a very good performance on day three of this tournament. I was impressed with the energy we had coming into all three games. For us to give that kind of effort for 40 minutes after two games in two days says a lot about this team. Jamari and Brad made some big plays for us, but this one was a team effort."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
CWU controlled the game from the opening minutes and never trailed. After Jamari Harris and Bradley Swillie connected on early three-pointers, the Wildcats used an 11-0 run to build a 13-2 advantage less than five minutes into the contest. Lubbock Christian trimmed the deficit to eight points midway through the half, but Central answered behind the play of Garrett Marrs, Jalen Childs, and King-Njhsanni Wilhite. Harris knocked down another three-pointer and Wilhite added back-to-back baskets as the Wildcats pushed the lead to 15 points. A late basket by Demetrus Johnson II sent Central into halftime with a commanding 39-24 advantage.
The Chaps briefly threatened after the break, pulling within 13 at 48-35 and later within 15 at 61-46 with just over five minutes remaining. Harris continued to provide answers, knocking down a pair of second-half three-pointers before converting a steal into a fastbreak dunk that pushed the lead back to 18 points. Swillie added timely scoring from the perimeter and the free-throw line, while Childs provided a spark off the bench with 11 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting performance. Central maintained a double-digit lead throughout the final 20 minutes and secured the 74-62 victory over the nationally ranked visitors.
STATS FROM THE GAME:
- Jamari Harris led the Wildcats with 18 points, four rebounds, four steals, and two blocks.
- Bradley Swillie added 17 points, four assists, and knocked down three three-pointers.
- Jalen Childs scored 11 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.
- King-Njhsanni Wilhite contributed nine points, three assists, and a steal, while Garrett Marrs added eight points and five rebounds.
- CWU finished the game shooting 50.9 percent from the floor, 38.5 percent from three-point range, and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line.
- DeAndre Lott led Lubbock Christian with 19 points, while Brendan Ballard added 14 points and six rebounds and Hayden Abdullah scored 13 points.
- Lubbock Christian shot 46.7 percent from the field, 26.3 percent from three-point range, and 60.0 percent from the free-throw line.
- The Wildcats forced 16 turnovers, recorded seven steals, and received 26 bench points.
SERIES HISTORY:
- The Wildcats earned the first victory against Lubbock Christian in the first meeting between the programs.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats return to action Nov. 13 as part of the CCAA/GNAC Challenge in Monmouth, Ore., taking on Menlo at 6:00 p.m. inside the Wolves Athletic Center.
