Mesa, AZ- After just missing the last two games, Arizona Christian reached the 100 point mark for the first time this season as they beat Benedictine-Mesa 100-92 on Thursday night.  Seniors Matt Willkomm and Sam Finley scored half of the ACU points with 25 points each.

The teams exchanged ties and lead changes throughout the first half.  The Firestorm (4-0) grabbed the early lead and built out to a 13 point lead.  The Redhawks (4-2) countered with a 17-1 run to move ahead.  Down 28-26, Sophomore Lawrence Combs hit a jumper in the paint followed by a three pointer from Senior Andy Sessions (he was 4-4 from behind the three point line for the game) to give Arizona Christian a 31-28 edge.

After a couple more ties, Willkomm knocked down one of his five three pointers with four minutes left in the half.  ACU enjoyed the lead for the rest of the opening 20 minutes.

Finley topped all scorers with 14 first half points.  Willkomm was right behind at 13 points as the Firestorm held a 47-42 advantage.

BenMesa grabbed back the lead a few minutes into the second half before ACU hit six straight shot attempts including five from behind the three point line.  Junior Carter Wilson hit one of the threes and a jumper.

Move ahead to the final seven minutes and the teams were tied 75-75.  Junior Callum Lawson came through with a jumper and one to send ACU in front for good.

The Firestorm scored in groups of 25- Finley and Willkomm both by themselves, Lawson (13 points) and Sessions (12) combined, and Wilson (15) teamed with Combs and Freshman Isaiah Walton for the final 25.

Ironically, the last time the Firestorm scored 100 points in a game was against Benedictine-Mesa a year and a day ago.

Head Coach Jeff Rutter commented, "I was impressed with the poise of our guys tonight.  Callum picked up two fouls in the first two minutes, Senior Omari Lewis came in for him and picked up three fouls in the next two minutes. We were already shorthanded with Patson out so Freshman Geoff Hibbitt got his first minutes on the season and did a great job.  We answered every Benedictine run with big shots and got stops when we needed them."

Rutter added, "Carter, Matt, and Sam played very well tonight.  We are playing more under control than we have the past few games.  I think our decision making is improving each game too.  Andy was big tonight for us.  Callum played a long stretch with four fouls and Benedictine tried to keep going at him. Andy's help side defense allowed Callum to remain in the game.  He hit some timely threes for us as well."

Finalizing his thoughts, Rutter said, "I am very pleased with the win on the road against a good team without a couple guys who have been starting for us and playing well."

A week from Friday, the Firestorm will work off their Thanksgiving meal by hosting the University of Jamestown.  The opening tip is set for 7:30 pm on Black Friday.