SALT LAKE CITY — The Westminster College men’s basketball team improved its record to 8-1 for the season by defeating Chadron State 94-69 during the second night of its own Thanksgiving weekend tournament here Saturday.

The Griffins shot well, connecting on 56.5 percent (35-62) from the field, including 52 percent (14-27) from 3-point range and 91 percent (10-11) from the free throw line.

Chadron State also did a number of things well, coach Brent Bargen said. The Eagles shot 44.2 percent (23-52) from the field, including 6-11 from the 3-point territory, and 74 percent (17-23) from the charity stripe. “This was our most complete game so far,” Bargen said. “We played a really good team tonight and competed pretty well.  We’ve obviously have a long ways to go, but we’ve got a chance to be a pretty good team if we keep working.”

The Griffins were led by Jake Orchard, a 6-foot-4 senior, with 18 points. Blake Skidmore, a 6-foot junior, added 14 and six assists while Alex Drecksel, another 6-4 senior, added 10 points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

Chadron State was paced by 6-5 Zac Bargen with 19 points and 11 rebounds, both game highs, along with four assists and three steals. Freshman point guard Justyn Anderson added 14 points and junior forward Grant Stone contributed 12 points off the bench.

The Eagles, now 0-4, will open their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule this weekend by hosting Colorado Mesa and Western State. One of Westminster’s win is a 95-53 decision over Western State.
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