Pioneer Men Close in on Warriors

The Pacific Union College Men's Pioneer basketball team won 82-66 against the San Jose Christian College Warriors last Tuesday night, Jan. 21, at PUC's Pacific Auditorium.

It was the first time in seven years that Pacific Union College has defeated San Jose Christian College.

The Pioneers won the tip-off and proceeded with a strong first half, causing the Warriors to take a timeout with PUC ahead 7-0. When play resumed, the Pioneers continued their lead with a 15-2 run. Thanks to solid defense and quick thinking, the Pioneers stole the ball 15 times, a season record.

To seal their first-half mastery, Pioneer guard Brett Graves hit a three pointer at the buzzer to make the half-time score 44-25.

"We've learned how to stay in the game through the first half; now we just need to concentrate on the second half," said Graves, who had 13 first-half points.

In the second half, the Pioneers lacked the defensive prowess they had in the first half, allowing Warrior forward Jeff Stapelton to take several open shots.

With 5:24 left in the game, the Warriors pulled within nine points. That would be as close as they would come, as forward Mark Ermshar came off the bench, providing seven rebounds and a powerful blocked shot.

"We were prepared for them to be in the zone, but we took control," said Pioneer head coach Mike Hellie.

The Pioneers were led by forward Bryan Patterson with 19 points and 12 rebounds.