With the win, the Blue Jays edge closer to the top spot in the conference at 11-7 (7-4), still one game behind the Panthers.
Against the highest scoring team in the conference, the Blue Jays defense was going to be critical. Head Coach Matt Mitchell said after the game that "we were able to do a nice job defensively covering the three point shots tonight".
The Panthers' gaurd Johari Dix led all scorers with 29 points, but the Blue Jays countered that effort with 6 guys scoring in double figures.
Stu Hollandsworth kicked off the game scoring early and often in the paint, totaling 15 points in the first half. Steven Brandt provided the long-range offense for the Blue Jays, shooting a perfect 7-7 from the field and 2-2 from three to lead all scorers with 16 points going into the break.
For most of the half, the game went back and forth with constant lead changes. It wasn't until Brandt's three-pointer at the 04:35 mark increased the Blue Jay lead to 46-39 and started a 15-8 run that would close out the half. Westminster would be leading 61-47 after the first.
In the second half, the Blue Jays continued to display their balanced offensive attack. Hollandsworth and Brandt each built on their first half successes, scoring 8 and 9 points, respectively. Collin Caywood had a strong second half as well, leading the team with 11 points. Carter Wands flirted with a second half double-double as he went for 9 points and dished out 7 assists.
The Panthers went on a late run to cut the deficit to 9, but it never got any closer than that, as the Blue Jays were able to shut the door.
Overall, Brandt (25 pts, 10 reb) and C. Wands (16 pts, 11 ast) each recorded double-doubles on the day. Caywood fell just one rebound shy as he went for 18 pts and 9 reb. Kobe Wands and Cody Shaw also had productive days on offense as they tallied 15 points and 14 points, respectively.
"It was a great night at historic," said Coach Mitchell. "The gym was packed with students, creating a great environment."
Westminster continues conference play with a home matchup against Spalding this Saturday, January, 27, at 3:00p.m.