Stags Bounce Back Against Tigers

By Jenny Phillips

Coming off the season's first loss, the 15th ranked Stags defeated the Occidental Tigers 75-64 at home tonight.  CMS improved to 16-1 overall and 5-1 in SCIAC.  The Stags got off to a slow start in the first half, going back and forth with the Tigers.  Later in the first half, the Stags were able to pull away a little and go into halftime with a six point lead.  CMS came out strong in the second half, however, and was able to increase their lead to 15 points.  

The Tigers battled hard and managed to cut the lead to six, but were unable to hold off the Stags. Down nine points with under two minutes left in the game, the Tigers began fouling.  The Stags, who have struggled with free throws at times this season, maintained concentration and easily held on for the win.

Mani Maceira came out strong in the second half, hitting 6-7 on field goals and managing to not foul out, despite a quiet first half that included three personal fouls. He finished with 12 points. Chris Blees and Tyler Gaffaney (pictured) tied as the Stags' leading scorers with 14 points apiece.  Gaffaney hit 3-4 on three-pointers and was 3-3 on free throws.  Gaffaney also led the Stags in rebounds with five.  

Oxy's star Deshun McCoy had a big game as usual, picking up 21 points and five boards.  Despite his better-than-average game, McCoy was unable to lead the Tigers to a win, as Oxy continues its now four-game conference losing streak.  The Stags will play again at home on Saturday night against Cal Lu (6-10, 2-4 SCIAC) at 7:00 pm.