Johnson & Wales sweeps 2010 Wildcat Classic

The Wildcats finished their home classic with a 67-59 victory over the California Maritime Academy Keelhaulers on Saturday afternoon at the Wildcat Center. The Wildcats opened the game with a basket from Jake Campbell froma pass by Aaron Marshall. Ethan Evenson added a shot from downtown to take the 'Cats up by in the opening minutes. The Keelhaulers got on the board with a basket by David Prendeble from an offensive rebound. Johnson & Wales got the game back up to five with a pair of free throws from Eric Gardzina followign a foul by Ryan Pearson. California Maritime inched their way closer to JWU throughout the first half with .481 shooting behind Haven Piatt's nine first half points. The Wildcats had the game up to an 11 point lead in the closing minutes of the half, but Cal Maritime was able to bring the game to within four. Prendable had five rebounds in the first half for the Keelhaulers. Going into the break, the 'Cats were up 37-33 with Matt Fisher and Jazz Williams each having seven points for the 'Cats. Gardzina brought down 5 boards for Johnson & Wales in the half.

The second half had the Wildcats go on a 10-0 scoring run in the first 4:28 of action. The 'Cats got the game back up to a 16 point lead with Campbell's free throw shooting. Campbell went 4-4 from the line and ended with 14 points on 5-9 shooting. The Keelhaulers maintained their composure and chipped away at the Wildcats to a single digit lead in the final minutes. The Wildcats had .511 shooting throughout the game to cruise to a 67-59 victory over the Keelhaulers. Johnson & Wales was led by Campbell's 14 points while Williams and Nick Maly each added another 11. Gardzina had a game high 7 rebounds for JWU.

The Wildcats continue their long weekend of play with another home game on Sunday at 1pm against Division III's Lewis & Clark College from Oregon.