SEATTLE (Jan. 3) – Colton Monti scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half as Central Washington rallied from a four point halftime deficit to defeat Seattle Pacific 97-85 in both teams Great Northwest Athletic Conference opener Thursday night at Royal Brougham Pavilion.

Monti hit two shots from long distance and added a driving lay-up, scoring eight points during a 16-4 run that gave the Wildcats the lead for good with 10 minutes left in the game.

It is just the second loss of the season for SPU (8-2, 0-1).  CWU (7-3, 1-0) has now beaten the Falcons four straight times.

The Wildcats played most of the game without leading scorer Jake Beitinger (15.4 ppg), who was scratched in the eye just six minutes into the game and was unable to return.

The Falcons were in control for much of the first half, holding CWU to 37% shooting while hitting 62% of their own shots.  Rob Will took advantage of Beitinger's absence in the post, scoring 10 points as SPU led 42-38 at the break.

CWU found success in the second half with a smaller line-up and was able to penetrate to the basket for easy buckets.  Nate Jackson finished 8-11 from the floor, sharing team-high scoring honors with Monti at 22. 

Giovonne Woods shot 16 free-throws, hitting 13 on his way to 20 points.  Matt Penoncello recorded a double-double for the Wildcats, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

Will led the Falcons with a double-double of his own, recording game-highs of 24 points and 14 rebounds. 

Marques Echols added 15 points, hitting three from beyond the arch.  Chris Banchero scored 11 points off the bench, hitting 5 of 7 shots.

SPU is back in action Saturday playing host to Western Washington at 7:00.