February 26, 2024

Warriors Secure No. 2 Seed with Win Over UC Merced

Video Box Score

By Francisco Claudio

The Westcliff men's basketball team closed out their season with a win over the UC Merced Bobcats 71-59, officially locking in the No. 2 seed in the Cal Pac standings.
 
With a spot secured in the postseason, the Warriors added another highlight to their impressive second-half run.
 
Westcliff finished the season with a record of (16-9, Cal Pac 15-5), and would go on to win 12 of their last 13 games.
 
"A lot of film," head coach Jerred Cook emphasized. "A lot of uncomfortable conversations. Winning is hard. I always said it was 'us'.
 
"That starts with looking inward and then demanding the best version of self. Accountability has been huge for us in creating more of a player-led culture. Our defensive intensity and attention to detail have been night and day from the first half of the season to the second. Lastly, we expect to get better as the season goes on because of the amount of time we put into skill development. That's been evident as well."
 
With the loss, the Bobcats fell from the No. 2 seed to the No. 4 seed behind USK.
 
As the regular season comes to an end, the Warriors will now turn their attention to the Cal Pac Championships and a chance to defend their title.
 
Fortunately for them, the top two seeds get a BYE in the postseason tournament and are automatically into the semifinals, while they await their opponents.
 
A big difference from last year's championship run where the Warriors did not have this luxury. 
 
Now, with the experience under their belt and even more talent on their roster, they are posed to make another deep run with a shot to become back-to-back champions.
 
"The No. 2 seed is history," Cook said. "The highest finish of MBB regular season in conference. The extra time allows our group to recover, rest, and refocus on the '2nd season'.
 
"Now we are only two wins away from our ultimate goal of winning the Cal Pac Championship."
 
Saturday's game versus UC Merced was a tale of two halves.
 
The Bobcats won the first half 39-31.
 
But the Warriors turned it on in the second half outscoring the Bobcats 40-20.
 
WU was simply getting outplayed in the first and made fewer baskets than their opponent.
 
In the second half, they caught on fire from beyond the arc and knocked down seven compared to one from the Bobcats.
 
Westcliff also shot 57% from the field and held UC Merced to 37% in the second.
 
Senior John Duff led the way with 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals while shooting 50% from the field.
 
But it was the bench that came clutch and knocked down shots when they needed the most.
 
Justin Boateng had seven points, two rebounds, and two assists.
 
Ray Witt Jr. knocked down two three-pointers for six points.
 
Micaiah Hankins had five points, four rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
 
The Warriors concluded a day that was meant for celebration in the best way possible but know that the job isn't finished yet.
 
"Hold on to the rope," Cook said. "Best version of self. 'If we are not monsters, then we are food'. Chop wood and carry water.
 
"This is the moment we have talked about since recruiting these players here. We are built to play in March with a talented roster. It's always 'US'."
 
The Cal Pac Championships are right around the corner and will take place starting March 1st.
 
Securing a semifinal spot means that the Warriors will play until Sunday, March 3rd.
 
This year's postseason tournament is being held at UC Merced.