Central Washington Men’s Basketball Names New Head Coach
Central Washington mens basketball has a new head coach in Brandon Rinta. The new coach has been on the coaching staff at Lewis and Clark State College for the past seven years and has a 164-62 record. His previous experience includes playing for the Wildcats. This is Rinta’s first coaching position and the Wildcats are excited about having him as their coach.
Brandon Rinta is the new head coach of central washington men’s basketball
Rinta comes to the Huskies with a proven track record. He spent five seasons as the Associate Head Coach at Northwest Nazarene. During his time there, the Huskies made the NCAA Division II West Regional Poll for the first time in school history. His references also noted his high character and integrity.
Rinta took over the program after the athletic department decided not to renew the contract of Greg Sparling, who had a 386-253 record in 23 seasons. The Huskies finished last in the GNAC last year, and they did not win a game in the conference tournament since 2013. Despite the lack of success, Rinta has the option to bring in his own staff, which will include assistant coaches Drew Harris and Jared Johnson.
The Wildcats lost to Texas A&M-Commerce in the GNAC Championships
Despite losing the GNAC Championship, the Cougars did advance to the semifinals for the first time in eight years. The Cougars used a 19-point performance from Xavier Smith, who connected on 8 of 15 shots. David Thompson and Marqus Gilson also scored in double figures for Central Washington. Marqus Gilson finished with 16 points on six of nine shooting and six rebounds.
In the first round of the tournament, Central Washington defeated Montana State Billings, 73-66. The Yellowjackets came within 59-57 late in the game. However, Smith and Thompson connected on back-to-back three-pointers to make the lead 61-56. With 328 seconds remaining, the Cougars extended their lead to nine. The Yellowjackets made three consecutive attempts to get within four points, but Central Washington was able to convert four of four free-throw attempts to seal the victory.
They beat Montana State in a rematch of a 1998 game
In the second half, the Central Washington men’s basketball team sunk a last-second three-pointer to beat the visiting Bulldogs, 90-88, in Carver Gym. Central Washington has won seven of its last nine games in this rivalry series. The Cougars lead the series, 157-105, and hold a 32-16 advantage since WWU moved to NCAA Division II in 1998-99. They’re 5-5 in their last ten trips to the Nicholson Pavilion in Ellensburg.
The Bobcats’ season has been a historic one for the program. Their latest victory, an 83-61 victory over Sacramento State in the Big Sky Tournament quarterfinals, puts them a step closer to the NCAA Tournament. The Bobcats are aiming to return to the championship game, like they did last season, and make the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year.
They lost to Saint Mary’s in a GNAC Championships game
Northwest Nazarene men’s basketball is coming off a big win, overcoming an 11-point halftime deficit to defeat Central Washington, 93-82. The Cougars had six players in double figures, led by Tyler Roberts’ 20 points.
Despite the victory over Saint Mary’s, the Huskies have yet to win a conference title since 2004. This is the first time Central Washington men’s basketball team has lost to Saint Mary’s since the league expanded and allowed all teams to play in the tournament. Central Washington’s senior guard, Matt Johnson, shot just 39% from the field, and the Cougars were outrebounded by Saint Mary’s 45-28.
