The OUAZ Men's basketball 17-6 overall and 9-5 in conference play is hosting Vanguard University in the second to last home game of the season. Coming off an impressive 100-73 win over Life Pacific University on Thursday night, the Spirt improved to 8-2 over the past 10 games, including a 4-1 mark in the last five. Against Life Pacific OUAZ was led in scoring by seniors McKay Bundy (25 points) and Josiah De'laCerda (23 points), while seniors Keshawn Bruner and Deviin Collins controlled the boards with 13 a piece.
Tipoff for Vanguard is set for 2 pm inside Faith Arena and the game can be viewed via live stream through the OUAZ website or by downloading the OUAZ app.
The Race Is On
OUAZ is still in the thick of things in the GSAC race as the Life Pacific win moved the Spirit back into a two-way tie for second with Hope International at 9-5. After today the Spirit will have just one home game remaining against #4 Arizona Christian.
Protecting Home
8-2 at home this season, the Spirit are a combined 24-8 (.750) inside Faith Arena the past three years.
Last Time vs. Vanguard
OUAZ used 50 points in the paint and 11 points from six offensive rebounds to notch a 79-65 win over Vanguard at Orange Coast College. At the time the 55.6% from the floor was the second-best shooting game of the season for the Spirit. Keshawn Bruner led the Spirit with 24 points while De'laCerda added 21 on nine of 11 shots. The Spirit held the Lions to 43.9 percent and 5 of 17 from beyond the arc, including going empty on the final seven attempted threes.
Spirit Standouts
Josiah De'laCerda
- With 23 point against Life Pacific he now has 20 or more points in three of the last five games, including 30 points at San Diego Christian a week ago. He leads the team in scoring (18.3 ppg) while his 6.8 rebounding average is stands second behind Devin Collins (8.7 rpg). Currently ranks sixth in the GSAC in scoring and fourth in rebounds.
- Took over as the Spirit all-time career scorer a few weeks ago (1,208 career points) is also second all-time in rebounds with 483 heading into the week.
- Has seven game with 18 or more points this season which is the second most in school history, four away from Dimetres Moore (2017-20).
Keshawn Bruner
- Ranks as the ninth best scorer in the league (14.6 ppg) and fourth in field goal percentage (53.4%).
- Had a season-best 13 rebounds against Life Pacific on Thursday.
- With 702 points, he's now 6th on the all-time scoring list at OUAZ, 30 shy of Kam Malbrough who recorded 730 between 2020-2022
Devin Collins
- Ranks third in the GSAC in rebounding (8.9 rpg)
- With 643 points, he's now 7th on the all-time scoring list at OUAZ.
- The school all-time rebounder with 606
