Saelee, Pawlak Combine for 41 as T-Birds Soar to 4-0
BOX SCORE
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Cascade men's basketball team defeated the visiting Pioneers from Pacific Union College, 93-80 last night in a non-conference game.
Ben Pawlak scored 27 points and Kao Saelee added 14 points, 7 assists and 6 steals to propel the Cascade Men's basketball team to their best start since the 2002-2003 season.
Saelee continually penetrated the Pioneer defense, often dishing to open teammates, helping Cascade take a 43-39 lead at halftime. Ben Pawlak was on the receiving end of most of those passes as he went 6 for 9 behind the arc; he was also 7 for 7 from the free throw line.
"We wanted to really push the ball tonight, and that is Kao's game," Head Coach Anthony Baugher stated. "He enjoys getting out in transition and setting up our shooters to be successful. He really gave us a lift off the bench."
Another great performance was the heady play of forward Ryan Barker. Barker finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds. "Ryan shot the ball well tonight but his inside play impressed me most," Baugher stated. "One possession he would post up, the next he would step out and shoot the three. He has worked hard to be a consistent inside-out scorer, tonight was a testimony to his work ethic."
The T-Birds got 13 points and 4 rebounds from Josh Brown along with 10 points and 4 assists from Jared Mace. Cascade has had 5 or more players score in double-digits every game this season.
Pacific Union was led by Brandon Monty with 23 points and 4 assists.
Cascade travels to Bellingham, Washington on Monday for an exhibition game against NCAA Divison II Western Washington University. Game time is 7:00pm.