(RMC release)
CHANDLER, Ariz. – Rocky Mountain College kicked off the 2018 Cactus Classic Friday with a 97-73 win over the Ottawa Spirit in Chandler, Ariz.
A 13-3 run by Rocky to start the game allowed the Battlin’ Bears (8-4, 7-3 FC) to maintain a lead from tip to buzzer against the Spirit (2-7). Rocky shot 51.4% against the Spirit who only knocked in 36.1%.
The team leader in scoring and rebounds, Jared Samuelson, once again led the Battlin’ Bears in both categories. The junior from Billings was six of seven from the floor on his way to 17 points and nine rebounds. Brandon the Boy and Issac Martel contributed 13 points each.
Rocky drained 55.6% on three pointers in the first half, but couldn’t nail any of the eights attempts in the second half. Ottawa shot 36.4 from beyond the arc.
The Battlin’ Bears out-rebounded the Spirit 47-36 and had a 16-11 advantage in steals. Brian King Jr. provided 15 points and three steals for the Spirit
Rocky will continue to play in the 2018 Cactus Classic tomorrow with a game against Arizona Christian. The action will tip off at noon at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, Ariz.
