It’s First Homecoming Is a Happy One as Christ College Irvine Wins, 110-86

Guard Brian Beal and center Derwin Appleberry led Christ College Irvine to a 110-86 victory against Southwestern Baptist Bible of Phoenix in Western Christian Athletic Assn. game in front of 500 spectators Friday at Irvine.

Christ College’s first homecoming game in its new $5.2 million gym was highlighted by Appleberry’s 24 points and 22 by Beal. The 6-foot 6-inch Appleberry, who left the game with 14:35 remaining, dominated the boards with 12 rebounds and had 6 assists.

Southwestern Baptist Bible, guided by first-year coach and former NBA All-Star Paul Westphal, managed to stay within three points of Christ College for the first eight minutes of the game. But a string of three unanswered baskets by Appleberry, Darren Kelso and Paul Wear around the 12:30 mark gave Christ College a 21-12 advantage.

Christ College virtually put the game out of reach before the first half was over, outscoring the visitors 20-6 to close the half with a 57-37 lead. Freshman guard Bob Pallotta showed considerable potential in coming off the bench to score 16 points.

Christ College improved its record to 4-1 and 16-5 to remain in second place in the conference standings behind West Coast Christian College of Fresno. Southwestern Baptist dropped to 2-2 and 9-4.