Rocklin, Calif. - After a season-opening overtime loss and a win over Portland Bible College, the Northwest Christian University Men’s basketball team (1-2) traveled to California for the Bill Holtz Warrior Classic looking to continue building momentum.
Despite a balanced scoring performance, the Beacons ultimately fell short 85-72 against unbeaten Menlo College (3-0).
The Beacons were led on both ends of the court by Junior guard Ernest Ugoagu. Ugoagu ended the night tied for a game-high 20 points and had seven rebounds. Junior Riley Anderson was a spark off the bench adding 11 points while senior Logan Davis, freshman Stevie Schlabach and freshman Kaden Sand each added eight points of their own.
The Oaks led from the opening tip and never looked back. Menlo out-scored the Beacons in each half and ended the game with a 48 percent shooting percentage as well as out-rebounding the Beacons 49-35.
Menlo was led by sophomore Corey Le’aupepe who finished the game with a double-double scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Alongside Le’aupepe, sophomore Ross Williams contributed 18 points and seven rebounds in the win for the Oaks.
The Beacons will look to get back in the win column tomorrow evening when they face-off against tournament host William Jessup University (3-0) at 5:30 pm.