CHANDLER, Ariz.- Rocky Men's Basketball continues their non-conference schedule with a trip to Chandler, Arizona, for the 2024 Cactus Classic, where they will play three consecutive games starting Saturday afternoon.    

Game Information

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Saturday, December 14th
(RV) Rocky Mountain College (6-2) vs Ottawa University (AZ) (6-4)
Chandler, Arizona | 2:00 pm (MT)

Sunday, December 15th
(RV) Rocky Mountain College (6-2) vs Park University-Gilbert (2-6)
Chandler, Arizona | 12:00 pm (MT)

Monday, December 16th
(RV) Rocky Mountain College (6-2) vs Embry-Riddle (AZ) (3-5)
Chandler, Arizona | 12:00 pm (MT)

Game Notes

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2024 Cactus Classic
The Battlin' Bears will compete in the Cactus Classic, hosted at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona. The Battlin' Bears put together one of the best comeback efforts in college basketball at any level in 2023, erasing a 30-point deficit to defeat No. 18-ranked Master's University to highlight their week in Arizona. 

League of His Own
Jaylon Lee is making an early case as one of the conference's top players during non-conference action, as he's one of two players to average a double-double, ranking fourth in points per game (16.3), first in rebounds per game (11.1), first in blocks per game (1.9), first in offensive rebounds per game (4.1), and third in field goal percentage (60.0%). 

Scouting the Spirit
OUAZ has begun its season 6-4, winning each of its past two games. It is a new-look Spirit squad under first-year Head Coach Tyler Ojanen, as OUAZ returns just three players who appeared in a game last season, none of whom were starters. Westmont College transfer Zeke Viuhkola has been the team's leading scorer, averaging 15.9 points per game on 42.6% shooting from three and 96.4% shooting from the free-throw line. 

Scouting the Buccaneers
Park University-Gilbert is off to a 2-6 start to the season and is seeking its first win against an NAIA opponent. Sophomore guard Tanner Pate is the leading scorer, averaging 13.9 points per game, while guard Mahlik Lindsey has been a sharpshooter for the Bucs, shooting 63.9% from three while averaging just under two made threes per game. 

Scouting the Eagles
After falling to the Battlin' Bears in the Fortin Education Center in their second game of the season, Embry-Riddle is 3-3, combining for an overall record of 3-5. Freshman Noah Gifft has continued his strong start to the season after scoring 16 points in their loss to Rocky. He is averaging 17.6 points per game while hitting three three-pointers per game.