CHANDLER, Ariz., December 19, 2021- The Battlin' Bears were down 29 to 45 at halftime, but the Rocky men outscored Benedictine University at Mesa by 20 points in the second half and overtime, to win 75 to 71. The Rocky men are now 6-6, 0-2.

The Battlin' Bears were led by a big double double by Maxim Stephens. Stephens had 22 points and 22 rebounds. Jesse Owens is back to speed, and he added 17 points and four assists. Abdul Bah added another 15 points, six rebounds, and a block. The Battlin' Bears shot 32.9 percent from the field, 23.8 percent from the arc, and 80 percent from the line.

Benedictine was led by Justin Parker with a game high 27 points and five rebounds. Tre Carolina added 13 points, six rebounds, and fourth assists. Benedictine shot 37.3 percent from the field, 15 percent from the arc, and 75 percent from the line.

Rocky had 58 rebounds to Benedictine's 45 rebounds. Both teams had 36 points in the paint. Rocky had 17 points off turnovers to Benedictine's 14 points.

The Rocky men finish the Cactus Classic at 2-1, and travel back home for the Hampton Inn Green and Gold Classic December 29 and 30.