NAMPA, Idaho. – The Cougars of Azusa Pacific converted on 48% of their attempts beyond the arc, including 7/11 in the first half, as the Central Washington Wildcats fell 79-89 on day two of the NNU Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday.
QUOTING HEAD COACH BRANDON RINTA
"We can't let a team as good as Azusa Pacific come out and get comfortable from the three-point line like they did in the first half. We did a better job of taking care of the ball, making shots, and defending the three-point line in the second half." Rinta added, "This has been a tough non-conference stretch for us. It has made us better, but we still need to be better moving into league play."
HOW IT HAPPENED
The game started fast with Samaad Hector converting a tough layup and drilling a three on the next possession. After that, it was all Azusa Pacific as they went on a 9-1 run giving them a 12-26 lead. Matt Poquette ended the run with a nice slam, followed shortly after by a Camron McNeil three to cut the deficit to 6 with 7:55 remaining. Poquette finished an acrobatic hook shot and McNeil converted from beyond the arc to cut into the lead. The Cougars went on a 10-3 run with 7:32 remaining in the half. At the break, Azusa Pacific had a commanding 28-48 lead.
The Cougars shot 63.6% from deep converting seven threes. They were 17-28 from the field shooting 60%. Justin Hemsley connected on two from downtown, en route to 10 points in the half. The Wildcats surrendered 10 turnovers leading to 17 points for Azusa Pacific. Central Washington shot 44% from the field 12-27 and 27% from beyond the arc.
Azusa Pacific picked up where they left off, opening the second half with a three. Both teams traded baskets for the opening four minutes. The Wildcats started to heat up offensively. Colby Gennett hit from deep followed by McNeil splashing one home and Gennett adding another three. At the 12:20 mark, Central trailed 49-67. The 'Cats scored another layup and Banks stole the inbounds pass slamming it home. Banks dunk cut the deficit to fifteen, 54-69, with 10:53 to go. Azusa Pacific was able to stave off a late comeback through timely threes and consistent rebounding in the second half.
Offensively, Justin Hemsley led the Cougars with 15 points and 6 rebounds. In the loss, McNeil led CWU scoring 25 points. Matt Poquette had 18 points and 9 rebounds and Hector finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Azusa Pacific utilized 36 bench points, 47% from the field, and 63% from three in the first half to secure the victory.
UP NEXT
The Wildcats return to Ellensburg to open conference play next week against Western Oregon and Saint Martin's.
