FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anaheim’s Bristol University wins men’s basketball championship in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference in inaugural season
ANAHEIM (Feb. 24, 2015)—The Bristol University men’s basketball team wrapped up the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference championship in its inaugural season by defeating Bethesda University, 75-71, Friday night.
It was the seventh straight PCAC victory for Bristol, located in Anaheim, following a conference-opening loss to Northern New Mexico College. Northern New Mexico finished second in the conference at 4-4.
"Words cannot describe the way I feel about the guys on our team who bought into our system and received the fruits of their labor,” Bristol coach Jeron Roberts said. “The guys worked hard from day one. I know at times they may have not realized why and what was the reasoning behind some of the tactical things. However, this is the end result. The goal was to win the championship. We didn't care if we were a first-year program or a 10-year program. We felt that we had enough to do what it takes to win a championship if we go out there and do the things we work on every day, defense being the focal point. We had a great leader in Alex Mendiola. He set an example by his hard work ethic and it slowly rubbed off on some of the other guys. I just want them to enjoy this time, it is a story book ending to a long season and we plan to build from here. No one imagined we would be here at the end of the season as champions.”
Mendiola, a 5-foot-10 senior guard from Downey, had 16 points and five assists against Bethesda. Forward Brandon Chavers, a 6-foot-6 junior from Downey, added 11 points and 6-1 junior guard Tade Keshishyan scored 10.
Mendiola and Chavers made crucial free throws down the stretch to put the game away.
It is the first championship for Bristol University which started their sports program this season. The Bears (11-15) conclude their season Tuesday at Cal State Bakersfield.
“We won double digit games (11),” Roberts said. “All milestones for years to come. I can't wait to see the next team to beat this years seven-game win streak. What a way to set the bar. This is only the beginning. I can't wait until next season as we have eight returning players all of whom will be seniors next season. We will continue to work hard and strive to be a force on the national college basketball scene.”
Bristol’s season included losses to NCAA Division I teams Weber State, Utah Valley University, Sacramento State and Fresno State. The Bears won both games against PCAC opponents Bethesda, St. Katherine College, West Coast Baptist College and split with Northern New Mexico. The Bears had wins over established programs Pomona Pitzer University, Cal Lutheran and Occidental College.
CONTACT:
Jeron Roberts
Athletic Director/Men’s Basketball Coach
Bristol University
2390 E Orangewood Ave
Suite 485
Anaheim, CA 92806