Cal Pac Drama Ensues

The Stanton University Elks displayed a relentless competitive spirit on Saturday night, battling through a high-stakes, wire-to-wire thriller against Pacific Union College. Despite a surge of late-game energy and several standout individual performances, the Elks fell just short in a 79-77 defeat at the Darling Pavilion.

Key Performers Light Up the Scoreboard

While the final score wasn't in Stanton's favor, the game served as a showcase for the Elks' offensive depth and resilience.

• Nigel McKay: McKay was a force on the floor, leading the Elks with 21 points. He showed his range by sinking three triples and remained aggressive at the rim throughout the 31 minutes he played.

• Jovanni Tapia: Delivering one of his most complete games of the season, Tapia nearly recorded a double-double with 20 points and 8 rebounds. His efficiency was on full display as he shot a remarkable 9-of-14 from the field while adding two steals on the defensive end.

• Jermaine Patton Jr.: Providing a vital spark off the bench, Patton Jr. tallied 12 points and led the team with 4 assists, proving to be a key playmaker in Stanton's high-octane offense.

• Yasuhide Hino: Another crucial bench contributor, Hino added 11 points and was a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, while also disrupting the Pioneers' flow with two steals.

A Weekend of Cal Pac Surprises

The narrow loss to Pacific Union comes during a weekend that has sent shockwaves through the California Pacific Conference. In a classic display of "anybody can beat anybody" parity, the conference standings saw major movement.

Just two nights prior, Stanton made headlines by securing a gritty 74-70 victory over the Simpson University Red Hawks. In a stunning turn of events, on the same night the Elks faced the Pioneers, that same Simpson squad went on to upset the #1 ranked Westcliff Warriors in a 67-49 blowout.

This "triangle of upsets"—Stanton beating Simpson, and Simpson beating Westcliff—highlights the Elks' potential to compete at the highest level of the Cal Pac. With the margin for error so slim in a two-point game, the Elks proved they are capable of hanging with the conference's elite.

Looking Ahead

Though the result wasn't what the home crowd hoped for, the Elks' offensive efficiency (48.3% from the field) and their ability to stay disciplined—committing only six turnovers all night—provide a strong foundation for the remainder of conference play. Stanton will look to build on this momentum and translate these elite individual efforts into their next conference win.