Merced, Calif. – The men's basketball team at Park University Gilbert wrapped up their northern California road trip in a 62-44 loss against the University of California-Merced.

Since joining the California Pacific Conference back in 2019, the Bucs have seen the Bobcats of UC Merced just once, which was during the 2021 season. The game was held on Park's home court, but ended in favor of the visitors, 54-51.

This time around, the Bucs experienced play with a new lineup, and new additions to their coaching staff. The squad struggled during the opening 20 minutes, putting up 21 points without a single point from beyond the arc.

It was Olgierd Dmochewicz who took care of business while only seeing nine minutes of the court during the first half. He managed six points and contributed three rebounds, while the rest of the squad shot a combined six for 22 in the first 20 minutes.

The second half proved to be all UC Merced as they started to gain a significant lead. The Bobcats put up 37 points on 42.4 percent shooting, with the Buccaneers claiming 23 points on just 28.6 percent shooting. Zach Lewkowski led the Bucs in the second half with nine points, and finished with a team-high 11 to go along with four rebounds. Dmochewicz finished off double-doubles in back-to-back games on the road trip with seven boards in the second half, ending with an even 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Buccaneers struggled to get to the line against the Bobcats, something that was a difference maker in their Thursday victory over Simpson University. The Bucs were 14 for 18 from the line in that game; however, could only scrape eight attempts from the charity stripe, shooting a measly three for eight in those attempts tonight.

Mason Westlake led the Bobcats with 23 of his own in the game, shooting a staggering 58.3 percent from three in the game. The Bobcats out-rebounded the Bucs 47 to 34, which was clearly a key focus for the Bobcats entering the game. The battle on the offensive glass also went strongly in favor of the Bobcats, winning the battle 11 to five

The Bucs return to Bell Bank Park for a weekend full of contests beginning on Dec. 8 against the University of Antelope Valley at 7:30.

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