MONMOUTH, Ore.-  Sonoma State dropped their first game at the Phoenix Inn & Suites WOU Classic on Friday night, 78-70 to Central Washington.  Ben Washington led the Seawolves with 18 points and Steve Cornett had a double-double, but it wasn't enough SSU drops to 5-2 on the season.  The Wildcats improve to 5-3.

Sonoma State shot at a 70% clip (14-for-20) in the first half, but still entered the break down by a point, 35-34.  CWU connected on only 41% of their first half shots, but they were aided by 15 Seawolf turnovers. 

The Wildcats heated up in the second half, shooting 60% to outscore the Seawolves 43-36.  The Seawolves led briefly in the second half, 50-49.

Washington was 7-of-9 from the field for his game-high of 18 points.  Cornett went for 16 points and 11 rebounds and Keith Garner posted 15 points off the bench.

Jake Beitinger led Central Washington with 18 points.

The Seawolves will look to earn a split at the tournament tomorrow night when they face host Western Oregon.

Box Score