Stags Survive Late Push from ‘Dogs, Win in OT, Claim Top Spot in SCIAC

Michael Bagby's (SR Coupeville, WA [pictured left]) long three-pointer with five seconds left on the shot-clock helped spark a 6-0 run for the Stags in overtime, which eventually helped defeat Redlands 97-89 in front of a "White-Out" crowd in Redlands. This is a key road win for the Stags (7-1, 15-4), as they take sole possession of first place in the SCIAC and push Redlands (6-2, 10-9) into a three-way tie for second.

CMS started the game slow and were down seven points with eight minutes to go in the first half. But, two three-pointers by Shane Davis (JR Vashon, WA [pictured right]) and Beau Heidrich (JR, Woodside) helped the Stags erase the deficit and end the half with a score of 38-36.

In the second half, the Stags kept their late first half momentum and pushed the lead to 11 points with 5:50 left in regulation. But the Bulldogs would not quit and were able to make key shots at the end of the game, including a long three-pointer from the top of the key with 14 seconds left in regulation, to tie the game at 81-81. The Stags had a chance to win the game, but a costly turnover forced the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Stags started the period with Bagby's three-pointer in front of Redland's student section. The score would lead to six unanswered points by the Stags. Solid defensive play and 9-14 shooting from the line in overtime sealed the victory.

The Stags had a great offensive night, shooting 47% from the field, scoring at least one point per possession and allowing only nine turnovers. They also won the battle on the boards by grabbing 42 rebounds to the Bulldogs' 33 rebounds and were able to keep possessions alive by grabbing 13 offensive rebounds.

Shane Davis had a fantastic shooting night, scoring well above his 5.4 ppg with 17 points, 79% shooting (7-9), and a perfect 2-2 from the three-point line. Chris Blees (JR, Carmichael) showed Redlands why he was named SCIAC Male Player of the Week for the second consecutive week by scoring a game-high 26 points and grabbing a game-high 11 rebounds.

Head Coach Ken Scalmanini emphasized how important it was to win this game on the road, "It was loud in their gym; they were all wearing white t-shirts and togas... but our guys were resilient in the second half and showed great resilience in overtime."

The schedule does not get any easier for the Stags, as they play at home against one of the second-place teams, Occidental (6-2, 14-5), on February 6 at 7:30. In their first meeting, the Stags defeated Occidental 66-58 on January 13. Redlands will host Caltech (0-8, 0-19) on February 6 at 7:30.