by The win snapped a four-game losing streak for the Firebirds, who now sit at 16-6 (9-5 Cal Pac) on the year. Three players finished with a game-high 15 points: Jason Amador, Xavier Cooper and Tampa Scott IV. Cooper also had 11 rebounds to finish with a double-double.
“Tonight was a great win, it helped us get back on track,” Amador said. “Our energy and intensity was a key factor in our win. This was all-around a great team effort, we hope to build off this win and continue to finish strong.”
USK took care of the ball well, finishing with just nine turnover’s to Pacific Union’s 23. The Firebirds were also able to share the ball as nine different players scored and the team registered 19 assists. A total of 72 shots were put up by the home side, with USK converting on an even 50% of field goals.
The first half was a three-point shooting deluge as the Firebirds went 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. Amador and Scott were both three-of-four from deep in the first.
Back-to-back threes from Cooper and Amador kick-started a 19-0 run that turned a three point game at the 11:47 mark in the first into a 22 point Firebird lead with 6:42 remaining before halftime. USK then stayed hot for the rest of the half to lead 50-27 at the break.
The Firebirds turned to inside scoring in the second half, getting 28 of their 38 points in the paint. No player scored in double figures after halftime as eight different players made baskets. Timothy Parker had the highlight of the game at the 14:49 mark with a steal and slam over a Pacific Union defender. The bucket gave USK a 28-point advantage.
USK never let up down the stretch as the final score was also the largest lead of the game. Divine Nwoko made a layup through contact and scored the ensuing free throw to give the Firebirds a 33-point advantage with a minute to go. The play turned out to be the final points of the game as USK went on to dribble out the 88-55 victory.
