ELKS AT TRITONS

LA JOLLA, CA — As the calendar turns toward the New Year, the Stanton University Fighting Elks took the floor at LionTree Arena this past Sunday for a high-stakes showdown against UC San Diego. This final non-conference battle served as a critical measuring stick for the Elks, who are just weeks away from kicking off their highly anticipated California Pacific (Cal Pac) Conference schedule.

Despite facing a formidable Division I opponent, Stanton displayed a gritty offensive performance and a "never quit" attitude that bodes well for their upcoming conference run.

Top Scorers: Elks Leading the Charge

The Elks' offensive rhythm was fueled by a balanced attack and sharp shooting from their core leaders. Here are the top performers who led the way on the scoreboard:

• Jovanni Tapia: Leading all scorers for the Elks, Tapia delivered a masterclass in efficiency. He racked up a team-high 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.

• Nigel McKay: A constant threat from deep, McKay poured in 17 points for Stanton. He was clinical from beyond the arc, hitting 3-of-5 three-pointers, while also leading the team with 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

• Alonzo Quiroz: Quiroz provided essential support in the starting lineup, contributing 7 points and 3 rebounds while playing a disciplined 26 minutes of action.

• Duje Srzic: Coming off the bench, Srzic made an immediate impact with 6 points and snagged 6 rebounds, proving the Elks have the depth to compete at a high level.

Building Momentum for Conference Play

Stanton entered the locker room at halftime trailing by only four points. This impressive start was fueled by a red-hot shooting performance where the team hit 47.1% of their three-pointers (8-for-17).

While the final score reflected the depth of a D1 powerhouse, the Elks' performance highlighted several key strengths:

1. Sharpshooting Excellence: The Elks' ability to hit nearly half of their long-range attempts will be a major advantage in Cal Pac play.

2. Free Throw Precision: The team shot a nearly flawless 90.9% from the charity stripe (10-for-11).

3. Defensive Hustle: Stanton recorded 7 steals and 2 blocks, showing they can disrupt an opponent's rhythm.