Fitzpatrick's Career Night Leads Fighting Bees

One word would describe Matt Fitzpatrick's play on Wednesday night, that word is dominate. Fitzpatrick tied his career-high of 35 points and set a new career-high with 12 assists, en route to a 115-100 victory for the Fighting Bees (16-13, 6-4).

East-West University came out of the gate with a strong performance, as they began the game with an 8-0 run. The Fighting Bees fought back to take a 24-18 lead with 11:30 remaining in the first half. Over the next 11:28, the Phantoms out-scored St. Ambrose 34-19 before Chad Tancil hit a 3-pointer as time expired.

The Tancil shot would prove to be the spark, as the Fighting Bees came out in the second half and went on a 29-9 run in the first 8 minutes. During the 8 minute span, Fitzpatrick posted 13 points and added 3 assists. 

The Phantoms would get as close as 9 points, but a 67% second half shooting percentage by the Fighting Bees was too much to overcome. 

Fitzpatrick finished the night 10 of 15 from the field, including 4 of 7 from 3-point land and 11-12 from the line. 

Tom Pavljasevic continued his great play, as he scored 18 points, dished out 8 assists and grabbed 7 rebounds. Karl Petersen scored 15 points and Chad Tancil added 12.

The Fighting Bees finished the night shooting 61% from the field, including 48% from 3-point land.

Gregory McNeal led the Phantoms with 28 points, as four players posted double-figures. Nelson Maisonet scored 27, David Goings threw up 22 and Carlos Gill added 19.

Next up for the Fighting Bees are the Iowa Wesleyan Tigers, in a showdown for first place supremacy in the MCC. The game will tip-off at 1:00 at Lee Lohman Arena.

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