Overcoming an impressive 31-point scoring performance by the Metro Conference’s leading scorer, Joe Bell Austin, Eastside Catholic beat West Seattle 66-49 Tuesday night.

All three of the Crusaders wins this season have been against conference opponents, putting their overall record at 3-7 and a 3-3 conference record.

Eastside Catholic got off to a rocky start against the Wildcats, coached by former UW standout, Donald Watts. Although the game was close at halftime, with the Crusaders leading 32-28, they came out playing with a purpose in the second half wearing down West Seattle with their size, offensive execution and aggressiveness on both ends of the floor.

Sophomore guard Jake Springfield was one of the catalysts in sparking the Crusaders early in the third quarter, scoring most of his team-leading 22 points in the second half. Starting forward Joey Schreiber also had a solid game contributing 16 points for the Eastside Catholic.

On a side note, after 29 years of service this will be Gary Culbert’s final year as statistician and announcer at Eastside Catholic basketball games. Celebrating his 66th birthday on this night, it was fitting that his beloved Crusaders scored 66 points.