After losing to Biola University Thursday night 98-85 in a back in forth game, the Chaminade men’s basketball team responded Saturday night with a 90-78 win over Westmont College at McCabe Gymnasium.
Westmont entered the matchup with a 10–8 overall record and 7–5 mark in PacWest play, coming off wins against Hawai’i Hilo (Jan. 20) and Hawai’i Pacific (Jan. 22). The Warriors were riding a four-game winning streak and had handed Chaminade a 77–58 loss on (Dec. 20), just before Christmas break. With first place in the PacWest on the line, Saturday’s contest was a chance for the Swords to prove they could compete with one of the league’s top teams.
The first half was closely contested, with both teams exchanging baskets. The Swords headed into halftime down 46–44 after Westmont junior forward Aidan Mandel hit a late three-pointer from the top of the key. Neither team was able to pull away at McCabe Gymnasium, as fast breaks, contested shots, and strong defense kept the score close.
Chaminade came out strong in the second half, bringing lots of energy and quickly taking control of the game. They outscored Westmont 46–32 in the second half, shooting 53.6 percent from the field and holding the Warriors to 33.3 percent. Key defensive stops, timely three-pointers, and fast-break opportunities swung momentum in the Swords’ favor.
“Westmont is a well-coached team,” said Chaminade head coach Eric Boivard. “But we didn’t play our best brand of basketball the first time we played them, so we had to come out and set the tone.”
Chaminade senior guard Nathan Medina scored a team-high 24 points, going 6-for-11 from three-point range. With help from Chaminade senior forward Fletcher MacDonald and senior guard Kent King, who each scored 13 points, Chaminade secured the win over Westmont. Chaminade Senior Guard Ronald Banks ll also contributed with 11 points hitting a big four-point play shot with 3:45 remaining on the clock in the second half to help the swords increase the lead. Chaminade had four players finish in double figures on Saturday night. Senior forward Brycen Shackelford was a contributor off the bench with eight points while shooting 4-5 from the field.
“This was a big win for the team,” said Medina. “I had to step up in the last few minutes because I feel like these last two home games I didn’t play up to my full potential.”
The Swords had their best shooting night of the year shooting 54.2 percent from the field while also setting a season high making 13 three pointers. After a rough free-throw night against Biola on Thursday, the Swords bounced back by making 13 of 14 free throws to help beat Westmont.
“We knew as a team that for us to win this game it was going to come down to us making our free throws” said Chaminade senior guard Kent King.
Several key plays shaped the game. Medina caught fire early in the second half, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers from deep. Banks followed with a four-point play from the left wing, giving the Swords a comfortable lead. Chaminade also made the most of fast-break opportunities, preventing Westmont from building any momentum. By capitalizing on turnovers and scoring 15 points off Westmont mistakes, Chaminade steadily extended its lead.
Mandel led the Warriors with 21 points, while senior guard Jarrett Bryant added 20 points. Despite their strong individual performances, Westmont could not match Chaminade’s second-half energy or shooting efficiency.
After winning four of their last five home games, the Swords head to Southern California on Tuesday to face Point Loma on Thursday, Jan. 2, at 5:30 p.m. Point Loma is second in conference with an overall record of 14-4 and 9-3 in conference. The matchup against Point Loma will be a crucial road test as the PacWest standings continue to tighten. Chaminade will look to build on its strong second-half performance and maintain its conference lead against one of the league’s top contenders.