Returning All-GSAC guard Preston Branson, passes off to a teammate for Westmont. (Vince Agapito photo)
Westmont opened its basketball season on an impressive note Thursday night, shooting 53 percent in the second half to pull away from Alaska Anchorage 65-50 at Murchison Gym.
The Warriors trailed 35-30 before going on a 10-0 run to take the lead for good. Brendan Hill’s jumper started the run. Christopher Miller followed with a 3-pointer, Anthony Lipold converted a 3-point play and Matthew Hornbuckle scored on a jumper after grabbing an offensive rebound.
Westmont expanded its lead to 50-39 on back-to-back layups by Preston Branson and Jordan Sachs.
The Warriors spread the scoring around. Miller and Lipold each scored 13 points, Branson added 12 points and Sachs chipped in 10.
They also did a good job protecting the ball, as they committed only eight turnovers.
Alaska-Anchorage, a NCAA Division 2 school, was led by Taylor Rohde with 16 points and Lonnie Ridgeway with 11.
Shooting 52 percent in the first half, Alaska-Anchorage led 29-27 at halftime. But the visitors were held to 25 percent shooting (5-20) in the second half.
Westmont (1-0) returns to the court on Saturday at 4 p.m. against UC Merced. The school is inviting all former Westmont players to come to the game.
