Warriors Get Off to Best Start in Program History Following Win Over USK

San Dimas, CA - On Wednesday, the Warriors faced off against the University of Saint Katherine's in a pre-season matchup.  The game would prove to be in LPU's control from start to finish, as they never conceded the lead to USK and took the game by a final score of 84-75.  With the win, the Warriors improve to 4-0 on the season, marking this as the best start in program history.  Their previous best start was in the 2017-18 season when they got off to 3-0.

In this matchup, the Warriors relied on their veteran leadership to dictate this game as LPU was able to weather the storm through any run that USK was able to go on.  Four different Warriors scored in double-figures as Kyler Villarreal led the way once again, finishing with 27 points on an efficient 12-18 shooting.  Austin Cook was the floor general, finishing the game with 16 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds.  Ethan Galang (11 points) and Daniel Hernandez (10 points) continued their steady play giving the Warriors a much needed scoring boost.  Adam Vasquez rounded out the starting lineup for the Warriors as he finished with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.  LPU got some big-time minutes from red-shirt freshman guard, Albert Matute, who finished with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals, while hitting a big-time corner three in crunch time.

When reflecting on the team's historic 4-0 start, Coach Tim Cook stated, "I have so much respect for Saint Katherine's and the wars that we have played over the past couple of years.  I knew that they had such a physically strong team and really solid guard play.  They were rated the pre-season #1 team in the CalPac this year.  We came off of a tough game the other night against a really good D1 opponent, and the guys really just leaned into their experience tonight.  They are sticking with the system and we are so proud of how unselfish and together they play as a unit.  They are playing hard every play and constantly competing.  It is incredible to do things that we have never done before as a program."

Impactful Warrior Performances

Kyler Villarreal

• 27 points
• 3 rebounds
• 3 assists

Austin Cook

• 16 points
• 9 assists
• 7 rebounds

Ethan Galang

• 11 points
• 2 rebounds

Daniel Hernandez

• 10 points
• 3 rebounds

Albert Matute

• 8 points (off bench)
• 2 rebounds
• 2 steals

NEXT GAME:

• November 11th @ 7:00pm at West Coast Baptist
• Los Angeles, CA