MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team put together one of its most complete offensive performances of the young season Friday night, defeating Menlo 89-77 in the opening game of the CCAA/GNAC Challenge at the Wolves Athletic Center.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
- Final: Central Washington 89, Menlo 77
- Records: CWU (3-1), Menlo (0-1)
- Location: Wolves Athletic Center (Monmouth, Ore.)
QUOTING CWU HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH BRANDON RINTA:
"We played well the last ten minutes of the first half. That proved to be the deciding stretch in the game. Our defense wasn't where it needed to be in the second half and Menlo took advantage. Thankfully, we had some guys hit some big shots late to keep a little cushion."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- After falling behind 4-0 in the opening minute, Central quickly settled in behind Jamari Harris and took control of the contest.
- A Harris three-pointer gave the Wildcats their first lead at 5-4, and buckets from Garrett Marrs, Lucius Fox, and Jalen Childs fueled a lengthy run that pushed the advantage to 20-10 midway through the half.
- The Wildcats continued to pressure Menlo defensively, forcing turnovers that led to transition opportunities.
- Harris knocked down three first-half triples, while Wilhite, Fox, and Johnson II contributed key baskets as Central closed the half on a 12-1 run over the final two minutes to build a commanding 49-27 lead at the break.
- Menlo came out aggressively in the second half and trimmed the deficit to 18 points behind the play of Quentin Thompson and Daniel Huerta.
- The Oaks continued to chip away and eventually pulled within seven at 66-59 with just under seven minutes remaining.
- Each time Menlo threatened, however, the Wildcats responded.
- Harris buried back-to-back three-pointers during a critical stretch, Ojo connected from deep, and Wilhite added a key basket in the paint to restore a double-digit lead.
- Central closed the game at the free-throw line and maintained control down the stretch to secure the 89-77 victory.
STATS FROM THE GAME:
- Jamari Harris led all scorers with 20 points, knocking down 6-of-10 from three-point range while adding four steals.
- Chaydon Stone scored 11 points and recorded three steals.
- Bradley Swillie added 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
- King-Njhsanni Wilhite finished with nine points, three steals, and three assists off the bench.
- Jalen Childs and Lucius Fox each scored eight points, while Demetrus Johnson II contributed seven points and five rebounds.
- CWU finished the game shooting 49.2 percent from the floor, 40.0 percent from three-point range, and 70.8 percent from the free-throw line.
- The Wildcats forced 14 Menlo turnovers, converting them into 23 points off turnovers.
- Central received 38 bench points and matched Menlo with 33 rebounds.
SERIES HISTORY:
- Central leads the all-time series 2-0.
- The Wildcats matched their winning margin at 12 points; the same as last season's victory over the Oaks.
- CWU now has a two-game winning streak in the series.
UP NEXT:
- The Wildcats continue play in the CCAA/GNAC Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 14, against Cal State Monterey Bay.
- Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at the Wolves Athletic Center in Monmouth, Ore.
