OLYMPIA, Wash. – After shooting just 41% on Friday night in their first Cascade Conference loss, the Northwest Christian University men's basketball team responded in a big way on Saturday, hitting on 56% of their shots in an 83-68 victory over The Evergreen State College.
 
Taking advantage of their significant size advantage, the Beacons pounded the ball inside for baskets, which opened up opportunities for outside jumpers. The big size advantage also meant a big 44-22 advantage in rebounds. The Beacons didn't waste any time establishing themselves. Javonte Byrd (pictured)knocked home a three-point shot on the first possession and Northwest Christian maintained the lead for all 40 minutes.
 
Despite that, the game was still close through the first 14 minutes with Evergreen pulling within three points at 24-21 on a layup by Jarrick Mitchell. That's when the Beacons grabbed the game, running off 12 consecutive points with six different players accounting for the tally. Shooting 63% from the field in the opening stanza, the Beacons held a 42-27 advantage at halftime.
 
Northwest Christian led by as many as 25 points, the last time at 81-56 on one of freshman Kyle Ferreira's four three-point baskets with 2:19 remaining. The Geoducks were able to put together a garbage-time rally to pull within 15 as they outscored the Beacons 12-2, taking advantage of five late turnovers.
 
NCU (9-3, 2-1 CCC) was led once again by sophomore Jay Mayernik, taking advantage of his first start of the season with 18 points, shooting a perfect 7-for-7 from the field. The transfer from Southern Oregon University, who has been absent from the court for over ten years, is off to an incredible start for the Beacons, averaging 15.3 points over his first three games, shooting 87% from the field.
 
Ferreira finished his night shooting 4-for-4 from three-point range as he tied his season best with 16 points. Byrd added 12 points and two blocks. And Devyn Iglehart ended the night with eight assists, despite playing just 19 minutes due to foul trouble.
 
"This was a great team effort and team victory tonight," said head coach Luke Jackson. "We got up by pressing late in the first half and we never looked back. The bench really stepped up and created turnovers in the press. Nick Sullivan, Remi White and Jordan Alexander all had big nights for us."
 
Evergreen (3-8, 0-4) was led off the bench by Donald Terry with 13 points. Alix Hernandez added 11 points and six rebounds.
 
The Beacons will take a short break for the Christmas holiday, returning to action on December 28 for an exhibition game against The University of Nevada.