The OUAZ Men's basketball (17-7 overall and 9-6 in conference) hits the road for the final time in the 2022-23 regular season for games at Menlo (Feb. 9 @8:30pm MST) and Jessup University (Feb. 11 @3pm MST). The Spirit are 7-3 over the past 10 games and 4-1 in their last five true road games.  Both games can be viewed via live stream through the OUAZ website or by downloading the OUAZ app.

Down The Stretch They Come
With just three conference games remaining, OUAZ is in a great position to advance to the GSAC tournament in a few weeks. Currently, the Spirit stand tied for fourth with Hope International in the league standings at 9-6. Ahead of them  are leader Arizona Christian (12-3) and The Master's and Jessup, tied for second at 9-5. Only six teams make the GSAC post-season tournament in Fullerton, Calif. February 23-25. The men's tournament champion will secure an automatic berth into the NAIA Men's Basketball Opening Round which begins on March 7th.

Last Time vs. Jessup
All five starters scored in double figures as the OUAZ men's basketball team defeated Jessup 92-84 for its seventh straight win. OUAZ also extended its run to 22 consecutive wins when they score at least 80 points, including a 10-0 record at the time. The Spirit shot 50 percent from the field and hit 8 of 20 from beyond the arc. Devin Collins recorded a double-double with a season-high 17 points and 11 rebounds on 8 of 9 shooting. He scored six points – including a pair of tip-ins on offensive rebounds – during a 96-second span after William Jessup had pulled within five with 4:04 remaining.

And Against Menlo
Looking for an eighth straight win, the OUAZ men could not find an answer in falling to Menlo 91-78 at Faith Arena. OUAZ led 4-3 when Menlo went on a 10-2 run and never trailed again. The visitors took control of the game with an 18-4 to build a 48-29 lead late in the first half. The Spirit would make a push at times and got within seven multiple times before the Oaks responded. Keshawn Bruner led the Spirit with 27 points on 10 of 15 shooting. Josiah De'laCerda added 16 points, with Jayce Catchings going for 11 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

Spirit Statistical Spotlight
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 (18.0 ppg) while his 6.8 rebounding average is stands second behind Devin Collins (8.7 rpg). Currently ranks third in the GSAC in scoring, fourth in rebounds, fifth in FG% (58.1) and third in 3-pt FG% (46.9)
• Took over as the Spirit all-time career scorer a few weeks ago (1,220 career points) but is also second all-time in rebounds with 488 heading into the week.
• Has seven games 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 10th best scorer in the league (14.6 ppg) and 13th in field goal percentage (53.7%).
• Had a season-best 13 rebounds against Life Pacific last week.
• With 717 points, he's sixth on the all-time scoring list at OUAZ, 13 shy of Kam Malbrough who recorded 730 between 2020-2022.

Devin Collins

• Ranks third in the GSAC in rebounding (8.8 rpg)
• With 655 points, he's seventh on the all-time scoring list at OUAZ.
• The school all-time rebounder with 613.

• Leads the team and ranks second in the GSAC in FG% (65.8). His current mark ranks as the best season FG% in school history (.624 Khalil Bailey, 2017-18).
• Recorded a career-bests for 25 points, FG made and attempted (9-14) 3-pt FG made and attempted (3-3), and free throws made (4) in the Spirit win over Life Pacific last week.