BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Led by a balanced offensive attack and a dominating rebounding performance, the Western Washington University men’s basketball team defeated Columbia Bible College 117-72 in non-conference action Saturday night on WECU Court in Carver Gym.
Six Vikings scored in double-figures, led by a career-high 17 points from freshman forward Jalen Green (Renton, WA/Lindbergh). Green connected on 7 of his 13 shots, including going 3-for-4 from 3-point range. Junior forward Trevor Jasinsky (Camas, WA) filled up the stat sheet for his first career double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocked shots.
WWU improved to 7-2 overall with the 45-point victory over the Canadian college from Abbotsford, British Columbia.
The Vikings shot 48.4% from the field for the game (46-for-95) and were 14-for-34 from 3-point range. WWU held a 55-39 advantage in rebounds (20-10 offensive rebounds) and recorded a season-high-tying 8 blocked shots.
Braxton Latt led the Bearcats with 18 points on 7-for-19 shooting, with Gabe Mannes (14 points), Ykealo Araia (13 points) and Trent Baker (10 points) also reaching double-digits in scoring. The game did not count towards Columbia Bible College’s season record.
CLEANING THE GLASS
WWU recorded a season-high 55 rebounds to hold a 55-39 advantage in boards for the game. The Vikings are now averaging a GNAC-best 41.9 rebounds per game this season, led by 7.0 rebounds per game from Trevor Jasinsky (had career-high 12 boards vs. CBC). KJ Bosco (Portland, OR/Benson/Portland CC) had 8 rebounds in 18 minutes of action.
EVERYBODY SCORES
All 12 players that suited up for the Vikings scored in the contest, with six players recording double-digits. In addition to Green (17 points) and Jasinsky (14 points), Tucker Eenigenburg (15 points), Micah Winn (13 points), Luke Lovelady (13 points) and Elijah Cotton-Welch (11 points) also reached double figures in scoring. The 117 points marks the third time this season WWU has passed the 100-point mark in a game.
VERY EFFIECIENT
Three Vikings were at or above 20.0 in the basketball efficiency rating that is defined by (Points+Rebounds+Assists+Steals+Blocks) – (FG att-FG made)+(FT att-FT made) + turnovers…Trevor Jasinsky led the way with a 24.0 efficiency rating, followed by 21.0 from Jalen Green and 20.0 by Luke Lovelady.
TAKING CARE OF THE BASKETBALL
WWU continues to lead the GNAC with a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio, committing only 4 turnovers with 25 assists Saturday night vs. CBC. Saint Martin’s is 2nd in the conference with a 1.4 assist-to-turnover ratio.
AT THE HALF
The Vikings held a 25-point halftime lead at 62-38, with Jalen Green and Tucker Eenigenburg each scoring 10 points to lead WWU. Overall the Vikings shot 51.1% from the field (24-for-47) and were 8-for-22 (36.4%) from 3-point range. Western doubled up the Bearcats on the boards with a 32-16 advantage in rebounds and recorded 5 blocked shots.
THE RUN THAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE
The Vikings went on a 17-4 run starting at the 13:04 mark, turning a five-point game at 23-18 into a 18-point lead at 40-22. During the 5-minute stretch, the WWU was 6-for-11 from the field and had seven players score points. The Vikings finished the half out-scoring the Bearcats 23-14 over the final 6:53 to secure a 63-
