TMU Men's Basketball closes first half strongly in win over Life Pacific

The Master's University men's basketball team closed the first half on a 17-3 run to overcome an early deficit and defeat Life Pacific, 84-68, in Golden State Athletic Conference action on Thursday night in San Dimas.
 
"It was a good team effort tonight," Master's head coach Kelvin Starr said. "We basically did what we had to do on the road to get a win. It's a good step in the right direction going into the next few weeks."
 
DJ Wilson got the Mustangs off to a quick 5-0 start with a 3-pointer and a layup, but the Warriors battled back to take a seven-point lead halfway through the first half. With the score 26-23 in favor of Life Pacific, Master's clamped down defensively, only giving up three points in the final 7:38 of the opening period to take an 11-point halftime advantage.
 
In the second half, TMU's lead got up to as many as 22 and did not get any lower than eight, as the Mustangs improved to 11-3 overall and 2-3 in GSAC play.
 
For the second-straight game, five Mustangs scored in double figures. Kaleb Lowery once again led the team in the scoring column, pouring in 17 points. Davian Brown (13 points), Caden Starr (12 points), Jay Turley (10 points) and Wilson (10 points) also reached double digits.
 
"We had really balanced scoring again and the ball moved really well," Kelvin Starr said.
 
TMU more than doubled Life Pacific's rebounding numbers, 51-25, helped in large part by Gavin DeJong's 12 boards.
 
"Gavin DeJong had a great game," Kelvin Starr said of his senior forward, who also scored seven points. "He was physical and controlled the boards for us. The rebounding margin was a big difference in the game. He was a huge part of that and I'm proud of the way he played tonight."
 
Kelvin Starr also credited Ryan Beddeo (four points, six rebounds, three assists) in the win.
 
"Ryan Beddeo did a really good job of running our team in the second half," Kelvin Starr said. "He steadied us offensively and helped us get the ball moving."
 
TMU is scheduled to face off with Life Pacific (2-8, 1-8) again on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., this time in Santa Clarita. No fans will be allowed inside The MacArthur Center, but the game will be broadcast at: gomustangs.com/watch.