Firestorm Pull Away From Warriors, Advance To NAIA Second Round

Glendale, Ariz.- With ten and a half minutes to play in their 2025 NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship First Round game, Arizona Christian and Westcliff were tied 45-45.  The Firestorm allowed only nine more points and pulled away from the Warriors.  ACU advances to the second round on Saturday.

Game Info

• Game score: Arizona Christian – 72, Westcliff – 54
• Records: Arizona Christian – 27-4, Westcliff – 14-9
• NAIA Top 25 ranking: Arizona Christian – 3, Westcliff – not ranked
• Location: ACU Events Center, Arizona Christian University, Glendale, AZ

ACU Stats For The Day

• Anthony Howell – 17 points
• Ese Onakpoma – 15 points
• Jalik Dunkley – 14 points, 9 rebounds
• Amaechi Chukwu – 9 points
• Dominic Gonzalez – 9 rebounds

Inside the Box Score

• The first nine points set the tone for the first 30 minutes of the game as ACU scored first, WU tied and took the lead, and ACU went right back in front 
• Howell scored back-to-back baskets to give ACU a five point edge- their largest of the half
• Within seven minutes, the Warriors had fought back and taken a five point edge- their largest of the game
• Fast forward to the closing seconds of the half and Tyler Silva stole the ball, fed Dunkley, who connected with Tucker Molina for a basket as the half expired
• Up 34-32 at the break, Dunkley had cashed in 12 points 
• Out of the break, the ties and leads changes continued- in all eight lead changes and seven ties
• Westcliff used an “and one” to knot the game at 45-45
• Onakpoma broke the tie with a pair of free throws, Howell made two more baskets and the Firestorm did not allow even a tie again
• At the four minute mark, Chukwu made two free throws and ACU maintained a digit advantage the rest of the game
• After shooting 50% at the line in the first half, the Firestorm shot 81.3% from the stripe in the second (both halves they attempted 16 free throws)
• The current win streak for ACU extended to 13 games

Up Next
Round two will come on Saturday against Oregon Tech.  The teams met earlier in the season with the Firestorm winning 97-83 at OIT.  Oregon Tech defeated Indiana Tech 87-78 on Friday.  Saturday’s opening jump is set for 5:00 pm.
 

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