Elks Upset Preseason #2 Simpson in Thrilling Cal Pac Opener
Cal Pac Play Starts
| Final | 1 | 2 | T |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
30 | 40 | 70 |
|
|
33 | 41 | 74 |
Team Stats
Simpson (CA)
| Game Statistics | Simpson (CA) | Stanton (CA) |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | (23-49) | (27-58) |
| Field Goal % | 46.9% | 46.6% |
| Rebounds | 30 | 29 |
| Assists | 0 | 11 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 8 |
The Stanton Elks opened their California Pacific (Cal Pac) Conference season with a statement on Thursday night, upsetting the preseason #2 ranked Simpson Red Hawks in a 74-70 victory at Cypress College.
The win marks a pivotal turning point for the Elks, coming on the heels of a challenging non-conference schedule that featured a long string of tough games against NCAA Division I and II opponents, including matchups with UC San Diego, UC Riverside, and Point Loma. While the Elks fell short in those contests, Head Coach Mike Acuna viewed them as essential preparation.
"As hard as those NCAA games were, they were a good jumping-off point in terms of practice for the real deal," said Coach Acuna. "They tested our resolve and forced us to compete at a high level every single possession.
Key Performers
The Elks' victory was fueled by a balanced attack and clutch shooting from deep. Nigel McKay led the way with a team-high 24 points, including a lethal 5-of-11 performance from beyond the arc. His ability to space the floor and convert at the charity stripe (7-for-10) proved to be the difference-maker.
Supporting McKay was Duje Srzic, who provided a spark off the bench with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Srzic was remarkably efficient, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and coming up with a critical steal late in the game. Jermaine Patton Jr. also contributed significantly with 14 points and 4 assists, orchestrating the offense with poise against the Red Hawks' pressure.
Defensive Stand
Defensively, the Elks held Simpson to just 22.2% from three-point range. Rafael Gomez anchored the boards with 8 rebounds, while the team combined for 7 steals to disrupt Simpson's rhythm. Despite a 26-point performance from Simpson's Timothy Parker, Stanton's collective effort ensured they never let the lead slip away in a back-and-forth second half.
The Elks (1-0 Cal Pac) will look to carry this momentum into their next conference game as they aim to prove that their early-season trials have prepared them for a deep run in the Cal Pac.