BELMONT, Calif-  Sonoma State got 20 points from James Sandoval and 18 from Ben Washington to knock off No. 13 Central Washington 81-74 on Friday afternoon at the NDNU Thanksgiving Invitational in Belmont.  The Seawolves improve to 2-1 on the season while the Wildcats see their record evened out at 1-1.

The Seawolves jumped out to a 12-4 lead as Sandoval scored eight of the team's first dozen points.  Sonoma's lead would swell to as many as 15 on three occasions as they cruised into the half with a healthy 11-point lead at 36-25. 

The lead would be pumped up to as many as 17 in the second half and it remained in double digits until late, when the Wildcats rallied to pull within four.  Down the stretch, the Seawolves hit ten of their 14 free throw attempts to seal the victory. 

Sandoval's 20 points came on 9-of-14 shooting from the field.  He also shared team-high honors with six rebounds, four on the offensive end.  Washington had 18 points and six assists, Mike Nelson pumped in 12 points and three blocks, and Keith Garner had a nice game off the bench with 11 points and six boards. 

CWU's Jake Beitinger led all scorers in the game with 30 points.  The Seawolves held the Wildcats to 36.5% shooting on the night.  SSU shot 50% as a team.

The Seawolves will close out play at the NDNU Thanksgiving Invitational tomorrow against the host Argonauts. 

Box Score