Blees Leads Stags To Fulmer Tournament Title

CMS defeated Whitman College 79-78 in the championship game of the 61st Lee Fulmer Memorial Tournament at Redlands on Saturday night. Chris Blees (SO, Carmichael [pictured below left]) scored 35 points and had nine rebounds and six assists in the game and was named MVP of the tournament.  In the three games, Blees scored 61 points, had 20 rebounds, seven assists and three steals while shooting 76.5% (26-34) from the floor.  Tejas Gala (SR, Arcadia [pictured below right]) had 25 points and 15 rebounds in the three games and was also named to the All-Tournament team.

The Stags jumped on the Missionaries quickly in the game and led by as much as 14 points in the first half.  CMS shot over 70% on their two-point shots in the first half with Blees leading the way making nine of 11 from the field.  CMS forced Whitman into 13 turnovers and held them to 39% shooting.  The Missionaries were able to stay relatively close by shooting 10 for 12 from the line and trailed 41-30 at halftime.

CMS built up a 22-point lead after Connor Faught (JR, Agoura Hills) hit two straight three-pointers seven minutes into the second half.  Whitman was able to turn it back into a close contest by going on a 13-0 run during which they went five for six from the line and scored three baskets including two threes.  The Stags were zero for six from the line with two turnovers and a missed three during the stretch.  CMS never lost the lead, however, as they made 12 of their next 16 free throws including two clutch shots by Gala when Whitman had cut the lead to one.  The Stag defense stiffened and forced a missed three when they led by three and a couple of Faught free throws built the lead back to five.  Whitman hit a three at the buzzer for a final score of 79-78. CMS improved to 6-1 overall while Whitman dropped to 4-3.

This was the third time that CMS has won the Fulmer Tournament and the first time since 1986.  Whitworth University, who CMS defeated 73-68 on Friday, finished third by defeating UC Santa Cruz 90-58.  Chapman finished fifth by defeating Cal State East Bay 70-68 (OT) and host Redlands finished seventh by defeating Southwestern College 79-70.