California Baptist Box Score          William Jessup Box Score

ROCKLIN, Calif. – The Northwest Christian University men's basketball team claimed a co-championship in the 2010 Bill Holtz Warrior Classic this weekend, garnering the title for the third straight year. The Beacons split their pair of games, as did the other three teams in the event for a four-way championship tie.

The Beacons opened on a high note, knocking off NAIA D.I foe California Baptist on Friday night, 71-57. NCU shot 51% in the game while holding the Lancers to just 38% shooting and the Beacons out-rebounded CBU, 35-26. The victory was fueled by the return of Cameron Marshall, battling through a broken nose to score seven points. Head Coach Corey Anderson said, “It was great to have Cam back in the lineup. He's not a huge stat guy, but his leadership role on the floor cannot be understated.”

Senior guard Quentin Guidry (pictured) also got back on track offensively for the Beacons, leading the team with 16 points as he hit a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range. Kellen Spicer added 14 points and ten rebounds for the first double-double of the season for NCU, and Brent McKee added ten points and six boards. Brian Hampton collected a game-high five assists, and also scored seven points for the Beacons. Off the bench, it was David Vermilyea making a huge impact, scoring six points and getting a blocked shot in eight minutes of work.

NCU went on to close the tournament on a lower note, losing to host William Jessup on Saturday, 78-59. Anderson said, “This is definitely the best William Jessup team I have ever seen. We got outplayed in every facet of the game. Coach Aaron Muhic had his team ready to play and we did not. The positive thing is that I know this team will work together to get better.”

Spicer once again led the Beacons, scoring 14 points along with seven rebounds. McKee and Guidry added nine points apiece while Marshall and Hampton each had eight. Vermilyea added four more points off the bench, and blocked a pair of Warrior shots.

Northwest Christian (2-2) will be back in action next Saturday, traveling to Salem to take on Willamette University.