Mesa, Ariz.- The OUAZ Spirit men's basketball team came up just short on the road Saturday afternoon, falling 76–74 to No. 19 Benedictine Mesa at BENU PEC in Mesa, Ariz. The Spirit battled wire-to-wire against one of the top teams in the country, leading at multiple points in the second half before the nationally ranked Redhawks were able to edge ahead late.
OUAZ matched Benedictine Mesa for much of the afternoon by combining efficient perimeter shooting with solid defensive stretches. The Spirit knocked down nine three-pointers and shot 43.6 percent from the field while holding the Redhawks to just two makes from beyond the arc on 13 attempts. OUAZ also shot 70.8 percent at the free throw line and committed just nine turnovers, allowing the Spirit to stay within one possession deep into the closing minutes.
Zeke Viuhkola led all OUAZ scorers with 29 points while adding seven rebounds in an outstanding all-around performance. Carter Gittens added 15 points and six rebounds, while Tyran Simpson finished with 12 points and two rebounds. Hunter Richardson contributed nine points off the bench, and Quinn Thorne chipped in four points along with two assists and two rebounds to round out the Spirit's top contributors.
Benedictine Mesa countered with strong interior scoring and a decisive advantage at the foul line, converting 22 free throws to help overcome OUAZ's three-point shooting and late-game pressure. Despite the narrow defeat, the Spirit showed poise in possession and executed consistently on both ends against a well-disciplined opponent that entered the afternoon with only one loss on its record.
The Spirit will now return home to Faith Arena for their next contest, hosting Embry-Riddle on Saturday, January 24. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
