AZUSA, Calif. – The Seattle Pacific University men's basketball team picked up its first win of the 2024-25 season during day two of the PacWest/GNAC challenge, where sharp-shooting for a full 40 minutes propelled the Falcons to a 76-71 victory over San Marcos.
"I think this team is figuring out who we are and how we will win," head coach Keffrey Fazio said. "We've also learned what we cannot be and what makes you lose games. November has been a busy month, and we've learned a lot thus far. We are looking to finish strong and close out the month picking up where we left off here tonight."
The Falcons owned the first half of Saturday's game against the Cougars. Trace Evans scored seven consecutive points that started a 36-18 run over the final 16:42 of the opening half. Jonas La Tour was the leading scorer for the Falcons with eight points during that stretch.
As a team, the Falcons shot 57.1 percent (16-for-28) during the first half. They were even better from deep, hitting 61.5 percent (8-for-13) from 3-point range. Defensively, the Falcons held the Cougars to 34.5 first half shooting percentage.
Even with the stellar first half, the Falcons needed to push late to secure the win. A four-point play for the Cougars moved the score to 69-68 with 1:44 left. Owen Moriarty answered with a three-point play of his own. The tough basket started a 7-3 run for SPU over the final 1:24 of the game.
Moriarty was spectacular for the Falcons again on Saturday night. He matched a career-high 23 points on an ultra-efficient 8-for-10 shooting performance. He was perfect from 3-point range, making all four of his attempts. He also knocked down all three of his free throw ties.
Moriarty finished the weekend with 46 points on 17-for-27 shooting with six 3-pointers. He added nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals during his stellar weekend.
"Owen's learning that we need consistency from him," Fazio said. "He certainly capable of it. He's early in his junior season, and I'm excited for him to continue to be better and help lead this team down the road."
Henry Sandberg and Trace Evans scored in double figures for the Falcons. Sandberg set career bests in points (12), field goals made (5), and rebounds (3). Evans finished with 11 points and two rebounds.
After playing six games in eight days, the Falcons play just one next week. SPU hosts Linfield on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
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