MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Central Washington University men's basketball team's second half of Thursday's game showed to be one of the strongest defensive performances of the season, allowing the Wildcats to defeat Western Oregon 66-46 at the Wolves Athletic Center.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
 

• Final: Central Washington (66), Western Oregon (46)
• Records: CWU (14-12, 8-7 GNAC), WOU (9-15, 4-11 GNAC)
• Location: Wolves Athletic Center (Monmouth, Ore.)

 
QUOTING CWU HEAD MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH BRANDON RINTA:
 
"That was the best 20 minutes of defense we have played all year in the second half. To hold a team to 8 baskets and 17 points in a half is not easy."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
 

• Central got out to a 7-4 lead after strong plays from Calvin Sisk, Eli Williams, and Bradley Swillie. Western Oregon responded with eight unanswered points to flip the score and take a 12-7 lead.
• WOU's offense continued to produce for nearly the next 10 minutes, building its lead to 26-18. Then, with under five minutes left in the half, CWU found a rhythm and cut down the lead and eventually overtook the Wolves, closing the half on a 13-1 run to take a 36-29 lead into the break.
• The second half was all Central as the Wildcats held Western Oregon to 8-35 from the court and kept a steady flow of points to build out the lead, ultimately winning 66-46.
   

STATS FROM THE GAME:
 

• Swillie led the Wildcats with 13 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals
• Sisk and Jordan Clark were second in scoring for the Crimson and Black with 10 points each. Sisk recorded three rebounds, two block, and an assist, while Clark recorded two rebounds and an assist.
• Chae Haynes led in rebounds with 12 boards, while logging nine points, an assist, and a block.
• Jamari Harris recorded nine points, eight rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
• Garrett Marrs tallied seven points, four rebounds, and three assists.
• The 'Cats finished the game shooting 51.9 percent from the floor, 29.4 percent from three, and 62.5 percent from the free-throw line.
• Jaden Penigar led the Wolves with 14 points, while recording two rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Braydon Olson was second in scoring for the Wolves with 10 points, three rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
• WOU shot 28.1 percent from the floor, 22.7 percent from three, and 55.6 percent at the free-throw line.
• CWU won the rebound battle 46-30.

 
SERIES HISTORY:
 

• Central lead the all-time series 56-23.
• The Wildcats are on an eight-game winning streak.
• CWU is 22-14 against Western Oregon in Monmouth.

 
UP NEXT:
 

• The Crimson and Black head north to Lacey, Wash., for a key matchup on Saturday night to face No. 24 Saint Martin's. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. inside Marcus Pavilion.