PORTLAND, Ore. – The Multnomah University men's basketball team closed out the 2015-16 campaign on a high note, setting two NAIA national records in a 128-98 victory over New Hope Christian College on Monday night on Jim Skagen Court.
A few weeks after setting the record for most three pointers attempted in a game, the Lions (7-23, 2-18 CCC) broke their own record with 79 threes attempted in a single game. Along with that, the Lions set the record for most three-pointers made in a game with 29, breaking Alice Lloyd's record of 27 set in 1993.
Senior guard
Blake Updike shined on his senior night hitting nine threes for 31 points while completing his first ever triple-double with 12 assists and 14 rebounds. Freshman
Ben Grandle followed with 27 points with nine threes while
Jason Wyncoop and
Mikey Chown had 16 and 15 points respectively.
"When I saw we had 17 made threes at half I asked what the national record was and I thought we could get it," said head coach
Curt Bickley. "The first part of the second half we didn't shoot well but when it was in doubt, Blake and Jason took care of things and it was a tremendous accomplishment for a team in their first year as members of the NAIA."
Jordan Paris was another senior who had a milestone night, becoming the first player in MU history to finish his career with over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. He ended the night with eight rebounds and 14 points, finishing as MU's career rebounding leader with 1184 rebounds.
Multnomah came out hot in the opening period, jumping out to a 45-29 lead just after the halfway point in the first half. The team made 17 three-pointers in the first half alone.
The Deacons were led by Isiah Large who finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds followed by Carlos McLeod with 21 points.
After the conclusion of the final game of the season, MU celebrated seniors Updike, Paris and
Micah Sugiura who also finished as the leading career goal soccer for MU soccer.
"Tremendous night for the seniors to go out on such a high note. Paris joining the 1,000/1,000 club is a testament to his heart and hard work. Blake's triple double was really impressive for his last game and it was absolute pleasure to coach Micah" continued Coach Bickley.
The Lions closed out the season winning three of their last four games.