CHANDLER, Ariz. – The Rocky Mountain College men's basketball team evened its record at the Cactus Classic with an 87-79 win over Ottawa (Ariz.) on Monday afternoon at the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Coyote Center.
 
Rocky (7-4) scored the first 11 points of the game – including eight from Jared Samuelson – and they never looked back. Ottawa (2-9) pulled within three at one point in the first half, but they never got closer.
 
The Battlin' Bears converted 40.3 percent from the field with 40 points in the paint. Rocky collected 42 rebounds and scored 15 points from their 14 offensive rebounds.
 
Ottawa had no answer for Samuelson as the sophomore put in a season-high 32 points. He made 13 of 17 from the field and all five of his attempts from the foul line. Samuelson added five rebounds and two steals.
 
The Spirit shot 44.4 percent in the game, but they committed 18 turnovers that resulted in 26 Rocky points. The Battlin' Bears also scored 11 fast break points and got 16 points off the bench. Rocky had 12 assists and nine turnovers.
 
Danny Betcher gave Rocky 13 points and nine rebounds. Craig Wilmore led the team with 10 rebounds.
 
Ottawa got a team-high 26 points from Desmond Ross.
 
Rocky closes out the Cactus Classic on Tuesday when they face Benedictine (Kan.) at 10:30 a.m.