Westmont held off Ottawa (Ariz.) in the second half for an 84-75 win in a Golden State Athletic Conference men’s basketball win on Saturday at Murchison Gym.
Cade Roth keyed a Warriors’ run in last two minutes to overtake the Spirit and improve to 8-1 overall and 2-0 in the GSAC.
“Coming off the ACU game, we got up 15 and were mentally and physically tired,” said Westmont coach Landon Boucher. “By taking a couple timeouts we refocused, got back into our rhythm, and found a way to get it done. The biggest thing is, win or lose, we’re taking lessons from each and every one of these games.”
With Westmont leading 71-62, the Warriors did not score for almost six minutes and the Spirit had clawed back to make it a two possession game. A pair of free throws gave OUAZ a 73-72 advantage with 2:22 to play.
Roth stepped up with a 3-pointer to put Westmont up 75-73. After a stop on the defensive end, Jalen Townsell continued the final swing of momentum with another shot from beyond the arc, putting Westmont up 78-73 with 1:13 remaining.
The Warriors made free throws to secure the win.
“Again, it was Cade who hit that three to end our dry spell,” said Boucher. “Cade is in rhythm, he’s confident, and he’s playing like our most experienced Westmont Warrior. When Cade plays like that, it displays how many weapons this team actually has.”
Roth led the way with a season-high 29 points and four assists, while Anthony McIntyre added in 16 points of his own. Townsell, who hit four 3-pointers, finished with 14 points, while Amir Davis, who also scored 14 points, led Westmont with eight rebounds.
Kyler Warren was the only Warrior to score off the bench, as the returning bigman contributed with five points, a pair of rebounds, and an assist.
“Kyler was amazing off the bench,” nodded Boucher. “Especially with Jalen in foul trouble early, for him to come in, hit a three, and just have great energy, it was huge for us. If you look at a box score, sometimes you don’t see the impact players like Kyler have. He came in and gave us a boost when we needed it.
“Jalen Townsell had an amazing game today, too. He made some clutch shots and guarded some of the best players on their team. I’m really happy with his line, going four of six from three and coming down with some big boards as well.”
The Warriors return to action for a pre-Thanksgiving contest on Wednesday, when they host UC Merced at 2:00 p.m.