CMS Wins At Redlands In SCIAC Opener
With seven minutes to go in the league opener between Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (9-3, 1-0 SCIAC) and the University of Redlands (4-8, 0-1 SCIAC) last night, Jason Toney (JR, Yorba Linda [pictured]) hit a jumper to put the Stags up 56-46. CMS would not make another field goal, but sank 14 free throws and withstood a late Bulldog rally to win 70-67 in Redlands. The Stags made 14 of 18 free throws down the stretch and 20 of 27 for the game. Michael Bagby (JR, Coupeville, WA) had 18 points on six for eight shooting, Chris Blees (SO, Carmichael) had 15 points and seven rebounds and Toney and Austin Soldner (SR, Southlake, TX) pitched in excellent defense, combining for seven steals.
Redlands held the lead for much of the first half. With two seconds to go in the first half and the score tied, Bagby blocked a layup by Kent Ervin, grabbed the ball and quickly outletted to Conner Faught (JR, Agoura Hills), who knocked down a long three-pointer to give the Stags a three point lead. The Stags rode their momentum into the second half, taking a thirteen point lead after Blees took the ball coast to coast and scored with 15:40 to play.
Redlands mounted a comeback down the stretch; Stephen Call hit a three-pointer to bring the Bulldogs to within one point of the Stags, 68-67, with 39 seconds left. The Bulldogs fouled senior captain Tejas Gala (Arcadia), who hit one of two free throws to make the score 69-67. Redlands then missed two open three-point shots, before Soldner grabbed the rebound and was fouled. After he made one of two free throws, Patrick Coffey missed at the buzzer to give the Stags a tense road victory.
CMS had trouble rebounding again, allowing Redlands to rebound nearly half of their missed shots. For the Stags, Soldner and Toney each had 10 points, and Faught chipped in two three-pointers off the bench. CMS’ next game is this Wednesday night in Ducey Gym against Cal Lutheran University (9-3, 1-0 SCIAC), who defeated Occidental College on the road in their first league fixture.
