Santa Clarita, Calif. — OUAZ Men's Basketball put together a strong late push but came up just short on the road Thursday night, falling 75–72 to The Master's inside The MacArthur Center. The Spirit (4–4, 0–2 GSAC) battled back from a double-digit deficit and outscored the Mustangs 45–39 in the second half, but the comeback ultimately fell one possession short.

OUAZ shot 44.8 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from three-point range (11-for-26), using balanced scoring to climb back into contention. Hunter Richardson led the Spirit with 15 points, knocking down five threes on 5-for-6 shooting. Carter Gittens added 11 points, all coming in the second half, while Zeke Viuhkola finished with 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Gabe Schulhauser provided 12 points off the bench on a perfect 3-for-3 night from beyond the arc, and Quinn Thorne contributed nine points and three assists. Max Mkpa anchored the frontcourt with six points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

OUAZ totaled 14 assists on 26 made field goals, committed only 10 turnovers, and received 32 points from its bench. The Spirit also generated eight second-chance points off 10 offensive rebounds, though The Master's held a significant 48–29 advantage on the boards that proved decisive.

After trailing 36–27 at halftime, the Spirit closed the gap to a single possession several times in the final minutes, including a late three that pulled them within one. The Mustangs, however, converted key free throws down the stretch to hold off the rally.

OUAZ will continue GSAC play on Friday, December 6, traveling to Fullerton to take on Hope International. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. MST.