By Ron Smith
December 28, 2018
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Westmont Men's Basketball (6-4), ranked 20th in the NAIA, broke three tournament records as the Warriors defeated California Miramar by a score of 126-58. The game, which was played as an exhibition, was the second game of the 43rd Annual Tom Byron Classic.
 
Westmont's 126 points exceeded the previous record of 117 points set by Portland Sound against Berry (Ga.) in the 30th Tom Byron Classic held in December of 2005. The record breaker came off a layup by Desean Scott with 3:12 remaining.
 
The Warriors also eclipsed the record for rebounds in a game that was set by Hawaii-Hilo 40 years ago in the Second Tom Byron Classic. Hawaii-Hilo recorded 55 rebounds in a 74-61 victory over Occidental. Freshman Jordan Taylor nabbed the record breaker for Westmont with just over a minute to play by collecting a defensive board on a missed three-point attempt.
 
In addition, Westmont dished off 34 assists to rewrite its own record of 30 set in 1984 in a 100-59 win over Le Tourneau (Texas). That record was set in the Eighth Tom Byron Classic. Freshman Tyler Austin notched the record breaking assist, dishing off a pass that Taylor dunked through the hoop for Westmont's 116th point.
 
All 13 Warriors who took the floor scored with seven recording double figures. Senior Maxwell Hudgins led all scorers with 20 points including 12 off of four three-pointers in the first three minutes of the game. For the game, Hudgins tallied six three-pointers in eight attempts.
 
Taylor made six of nine attempts from the floor and added three free throws to tally 15 points for the Warriors.
 
Freshman Cade Roth posted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. He also added five assists and two blocks. Senior Olisa Nwachie also scored 14 points while pulling down seven rebounds.
 
Scott recorded 13 points on five-of-10 shooting. Sophomore, Gyse Hulsebosch recorded 12 points and four rebounds. Freshman Matthew Schmidt added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
 
All 13 Warriors also recorded at least one rebound. Eleven of Westmont's players recorded assists led by junior Jordan Spaschak with seven.
 
The Warriors scored the first 14 points of the game and lead by 21 (38-17) halfway through the first period. By the intermission, Westmont held a 67-37 advantage.
 
Westmont was ahead 94-56 midway through the second half, then outscored the Fighting Falcons 32-12 in the final 10 minutes of play.
 
In the early game of the Tom Byron Classic, Menlo (4-7) posted an 82-69 win over Westcliff (2-14). Six Oaks scored in double-figures led by John Paine and Charles Neal who tallied 14 each. Westcliff was led in scoring by Ben Gaspar who tallied a double-double consisting of 17 points and 14 rebounds.
 
Tomorrow afternoon, Menlo will take on California Miramar at 3:00 p.m. Later that evening, Westmont will host Westcliff. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.