Box Score Glendale, AZ- Down as many as 20 points, Arizona Christian rallied back to within six points in the closing minutes but came up short 92-83 to The Master's in the GSAC opener for both teams. Junior Eric Klekas went for 20 points.
- Game score: The Master's - 92, Arizona Christian - 83
- Records: Arizona Christian - 6-2, 0-1 GSAC, The Master's - 8-0, 1-0 GSAC
- NAIA Top 25 ranking: Arizona Christian - 10, The Master's - 2
- Location: ACU Events Center, Arizona Christian University, Glendale, AZ
- Eric Klekas - 20 points
- O'Shae Williams - 15 points, 8 rebounds
- Al Burge - 14 points
- Shane Carney - 10 points
- Robby Wilson - 10 points
- Down two early on, ACU used an 11-0 run highlighted by seven points from Klekas to move ahead
- Tied 23-23 with eight and a half minutes left in the first half, TMU went on a 12-0 run to take the lead for good
- Behind 20 points, the Firestorm closed within six twice with the last time on a three by Burge
- Mustangs pulled down 17 offensive rebounds versus just five offensive boards for ACU
Thoughts from Coach Rutter
"I thought we played relatively hard. We certainly did to start the game. We came and defending and that created some opportunities for us on offense."
"When The Master's answered with a run of their own, I didn't think we responded like we need to.
It's a good game to learn from. We need to keep composed and keep executing in those moments.
I'm pleased that we didn't quit and kept competing didn't do the little things and good teams like The Master's capitalize on those mistakes."
Up Next
Come Saturday, the Firestorm will host Westmont in the ACU Events Center. Tip-off is set for 2:00 pm.
