Pioneer Men Lose Close Game at Home

The Pacific Union College men's basketball team lost 72-78 to Menlo College, an NCAA division III team, at Pacific Auditorium on Sunday, Jan. 26.

The Pioneers started out in scripted fashion, with a turnover, and Menlo guard Vince Encelan scored eight points in two minutes in what started to look like a rout of PUC. But with 11:59 remaining in the half, the Pioneers went on a 6-0 run to come within two points, 16-18, and force a Menlo time-out.

With 5:05 left in the half, Pioneer center Bryan Banfield was fouled while taking a shot. Banfield hit both free throws to bring the score within one, 28-29.

However, as a result of two missed dunks and several turnovers at key moments, Menlo was able to run the score to 41-32 by the end of the first half.

With 6:02 left in the game, Pioneer forward Bryan Patterson was fouled on the drive. Although Patterson missed his free throw, forward Matt Hickman grabbed the rebound and tipped it in to make the score 61-68.

Bryan Banfield led the Pioneers with 22 points and six rebounds. Pioneer guard Brett Graves chipped in 18 points and 10 rebounds. Menlo College guard Vince Encelan led all scorers with 28 points.