Trevor Jasinsky was 9-for-17 shooting while scoring a career-high 33 points. PHOTO: WWU Athletics
Jasinsky Leads Vikings Past Rival CWU
February 8, 2019
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington University junior forward Trevor Jasinsky scored a career-high 33 points to lead five Vikings in double-figure scoring in a 91-86 victory over in-state rival Central Washington Thursday night in Great Northwest Athletic Conference action on WECU Court in Carver Gym.
The Vikings snapped a three-game losing streak, defeating the Wildcats in the five-point victory in front of a season-high Carver Gym crowd of 1,322 fans. WWU improved to 12-11 overall and inched up the GNAC standings now in a tie for 6th place in the conference with a 6-7 mark. Central Washington dropped to 9-12 overall and 3-10 in GNAC play.
“I thought we came out and moved the ball well in the second half, got some good looks and hit the shots,” said head coach Tony Dominguez. “We needed a confidence boost and I think the guys came out and really worked hard, had a good night on the offensive boards and stepped up with some starters out due to injury. It’s always great to beat Central.”
Jasinsky (Camas, WA) was 9-for-17 from the field and connected on 7-of-13 3-point field goal attempts to set his career-scoring high. The junior out of Camas High School bested his previous high of 32 points set in the season opener vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills, and now has a league-best 14 games with 20-or-more points.
“Trevor had a great performance tonight and really stepped up in key moments,” added Dominguez.
Jasinsky fueled WWU’s 51-point second half scoring 18 of his 33 points on 5-for-8 shooting over the final 20 minutes of the game.
Junior forward Cameron Retherford stepped back into a starting role and notched his first career double-double, totaling 14 points and 11 rebounds. He also had a team-high 4 steals and one blocked shot.
“Cam really stepped up tonight and we needed that,” said Dominguez. “Very proud of his effort and contributions tonight.”
Also reaching double-digits in scoring for the Vikings was junior guard Leif Anderson (13 points, 4-for-5 FG, 3-for-4 3FG, 8 assists), and 11 points each from senior point guard Tyler Payne (5 assists) and junior shooting guard Tucker Eenigenburg (3-for-7 FG). Junior forward KJ Bosco made his first career start, contributing 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks in 21 minutes.
Overall the Vikings shot 47.5% for the game (29-for-61) and were 14-for-33 from 3-point range (42.4%). The rebounding battle was tied 30-30, but WWU held a 10-6 advantage in offensive rebounds.
The Vikings held a one-point halftime lead at 40-39, battling through a close first half that featured 10 lead changes and six tie scores.
Western built its lead to 11 points with 12 minutes remaining in the game at 63-52 following a barrage of 3-point shots. CWU cut the deficit going on a 12-5 run down the stretch to trail by one point at 87-86 with 23-seconds remaining. Anderson sunk a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 3 points and Jasinsky clinched the game at the free throw line with his 32nd and 33rd points of the game.
The Wildcats had three players reach double-figures in scoring, led by 20 points from Jeryn Lucas (8-for-13 FG) and 19 points from Zellie Hudson (8-for-14 FG).
OF NOTE
WWU was playing without two starters in sophomore forward Luke Lovelady and freshman guard/forward Jalen Green, as both did not appear in uniform due to injuries…junior forwards KJ Bosco and Cameron Retherford started in their spots.
UP NEXT
The Vikings return to action on Saturday hosting No. 24 nationally-ranked Northwest Nazarene (15-4, 10-3) with tip-off at 7 pm in Carver Gym. NNU was defeated 78-77 by Simon Fraser Thursday night in Burnaby, BC. Free shuttle service from the C and 12A lots on campus will begin running at 6 pm with front-door service to Carver Gym. Advanced tickets can be purchased via WWUVikings.com/Tickets with the Carver Gym Box Office opening one hour prior to tip-off.
-- @WWUHoops --
