Washington Adventist sophomore point guard Charles Vines was deadly efficient in the win over Central State
Washington Adventist came into last night's match-up against Central State riding a 10-0 start, the best in school history. Central proved to be rude guest to start the game. Central jumped out to a early 7 point lead early in the first half, thanks in large part to sloppy play by WAU. Central crashed the offensive boards relentlessly and converted at will leaving the Shock stunned. The feeling wouldn't last long. WAU would lock in on defense and begin to play efficiently on offense. Guards Charles Vines (19 points-game high(5-8 FG/3-6 FG/ 6-9 FT), 7 assist, 5 rebounds and 2 steals) and Eric Lindsey (13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assist) hit three straight 3-pointers between them to blow the game open, giving WAU a 40-25 halftime lead.
Second half saw Central State apply a trapping full court press that confused the Shock. Central forced 14 of WAU's 22 turnovers in the second half alone, cutting the lead to seven as they trailed 58-51 with a little over 5 minutes left in the game. Central guards Markese McGuire (11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals) and Thomas Farmer (12 points and 7 rebounds) led the charge during Central's 26-18 run. The Shock showed why they are undefeated, displaying a mental toughness and unwillingness to break despite Central's second half dominance defensively. In the final 4 minutes, with center Brian Bridgeforth controlling the boards as well as blocking and altering shots at will, guards Charles Vines and Tyrus Fleetwood (10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assist) attacked the basket getting to the line where they converted 10 of 15 from the stripe down stretch to assure the 11th straight win for the Shock.
Bridgeforth finished with 13 points (6-12 FG), 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals to help lead the Shock, while Quilyn Howard-Upshaw posted 11 points and 7 rebounds to help pace Central State.
Following the game Washington Adventist, for the first time in school history,earned the 17th ranking in the NAIA DII coaches poll. Next up Washington Adventist will hit the road to take on Lindsey Wilson Friday December 16th as part of the Lindsey Wilson Christmas Classic.
Markese McGuire was a huge part of Central State's second half surge
Guard Tyrus Fleetwood clutch free throw shooting help assure Washington Adventist their 11th straight win
Thomas Farmer finished with a team high 12 points in the loss