Nelson University Sinks Cal Maritime 123-89

The Nelson Warriors have closed out their pre-Christmas portion of their schedule 8-3 following a strong 123-89 victory over the visiting Cal Maritime Keelhaulers, of Vallejo, CA. Nelson was once again led by the sharp-shooting Harley Upton who drained a career-high 7-14 from beyond the arc (although he contends that an 8th three was mistakenly recorded as a two), keeping his shooting average on the season from beyond the arc at a stellar 50%.

"The ball is moving and everyone is playing unselfish basketball," said Upton following the game. "Our whole team is playing with confidence." They certainly appear to be, having reached the 100-point mark for the third time in four games, and fifth time this season. In this four-game stretch the Warriors are averaging 111.75 points per game and a 39.75 average margin of victory. For the first time this season, every player who received playing time under head coach Kole Ebert recorded a basket. The club shot 61.8% from the field, however, an exceptionally accurate 75% from within the 3-point line while shooting an even 50% from long range, draining a season-high 20. Nelson's open offense, which encourages passing to open shooters, further led to a season-high 33 assists on 47 made field goals.

Rob Jenkins continued a sweltering stretch falling just two assists short of a triple-double, finishing with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Upton finished with 25 points and added 5 rebounds. Zaveion Bineyard finished with 20 points (as well as 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal), the first time on the season in which three starters scored at least 20 in a single game. Tommy Randolph Orlando Gonzales, and Larry Holmes each reached double-figure scoring.

Jamal Frenchwood led the Keelhaulers with 20 points, while Jake Matteson nearly recorded a double-double off the bench with 14 points and 9 rebounds.

Up next for the Warriors will be a difficult test at Embry-Riddle on January 2, at 7:30pm.

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