ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Bushnell University men's basketball team finished off their eighth-straight road game on Monday evening, falling to NCAA Division II Central Washington University 107-88 in an exhibition contest at the Nicholson Pavilion.
 
Head Coach Eddie Alexander said, "It was a good game for us tonight to get some things fixed on offense. We struggled with the athleticism of CWU tonight defensively. We look forward to getting healthy over the break."
 
The Beacons shot 67% from the floor in the first half, making 9-of-13 from beyond the arc, to bring a 54-53 lead into the break. Kaden Sand posted 19 points in the half and Luke Smith was a perfect 4-of-4 from three to help the Beacons hold a narrow edge over the Wildcats, who shot 50% from the field and 40% from three in the period.
 
Bushnell kept pace with CWU through the opening minutes of the second half before the Wildcats used a 12-0 run to open a 75-61 lead. The Beacons got back within seven with just over six minutes to go but were unable to narrow the deficit beyond that.
 
The Beacons finished 61% from the floor, 58% from three and 82% from the free throw line to seal a strong shooting night. Turnovers proved to be a difference maker as the Beacons committed 23 which turned into 24 points for the Wildcats. CWU recorded just 10 turnovers on the night.
 
Kaden Sand finished with 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting to lead the Beacons. Smith recorded 19 points, while Stevie Schlabach added 15 points and five assists. Nico Wolff recorded 11 points and a team-high six rebounds. Logan Sand also tallied 11 points, adding six assists and five rebounds.  
 
The Wildcats were led by Xavier Smith, who finished with 26 points and seven rebounds. David Thompson recorded 23 points and Matt Poquette added 19 points. CWU shot 54% from the field, 37% from three and 86% from the free throw line on the night. This is a countable game for the Wildcats, who improve to 7-2 overall.
 
Bushnell will be back in action after the holiday break, hosting The College of Idaho (Dec. 31) and Eastern Oregon University (Jan. 1) in Cascade Collegiate Conference play. These will be the first home games for the Beacons since Nov. 20.