Box Score Glendale, Ariz. - After a close first half and leading by 17 points in the second half, Arizona Christian held back a determined Park-Gilbert squad 97-88 on Saturday. Senior Xander Bowers topped ACU with 19 points. Senior Robby Wilson and Junior KeyVaughn Williams just missed double-doubles.
- Game score: Arizona Christian - 97, Park-Gilbert - 88
- Records: Arizona Christian - 2-0, Park-Gilbert - 0-2
- NAIA Top 25 ranking: Arizona Christian - 9, Park-Gilbert - not ranked
- Location: ACU Events Center, Arizona Christian University, Glendale, AZ
- ACU built as large as 10 point lead in the first half
- Park countered and held a five point lead with under three minutes to go in the half
- The Firestorm closed the half on an 8-2 run to take a 42-41 edge to the locker room
- With 9:05 to play in the game, ACU was 17 (76-59)
- The Buccaneers trimmed the lead to eight
- Free throws were the name of the game as the teams combined to attempt 39 freebies in the final 20 minutes (and 53 overall)
Thoughts from Coach Rutter
"We had a stretch in the first half where our defensive intensity and focus was lacking, and Park took advantage. I think that hurt us on the offensive end as well. We played harder in the second half and did a nice job defensively. Park did not back down, I was impressed with them."
"Xander and Robbie both played well. They were key guys for us last year, but both have really improved their offensive game and can do so much more."
"Paul Hayden, Dominic Gonzalez, and Darius hit some big shots for us as well. KeyVaughn started tonight and did a nice job running the team."
Up Next
The Firestorm and Buccaneers will face off again next Saturday in the ACU Events Center at 4:00 pm. The game will close out Homecoming Weekend for Arizona Christian.
