Stags pull away to beat Trinity 64-54

CLAREMONT, Calif. – In the second home game of the season, the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps men's basketball team beat Trinity (Tex.) 64-54 and showed its ability to pull away and win in a game that was close. Tyler Gaffaney (CGU) led the team and all players with 24 points on the night.

Midway through the second half, the Tigers went on a 9-0 run to go ahead of the Stags 39-38. CMS quickly regained the lead with a free throw by junior Jason Harrington (CMC) and a layup by Gaffaney. Trinity kept the game close with foul shots, slowing the pace before a pair of free throw makes by Harrington and a dunk by junior Shelby Lane (CMC) gave CMS the 57-49 advantage.

Harrington went on to go 8-10 from the line as the team was 23-32, 71.9% for the game.

The Stags controlled the first half seemingly with ease, putting up 34 points to Trinity's 21. That 13 point lead was the largest CMS had until a 12 point differential in the final seconds of the game. Two thirds of the shots for CMS in the first half were three point attempts – 19 of 28. The Stags drained just five, two from Gaffaney and one each from junior Jack Earley (CMC), senior Jack Grodahl (CMC), and freshman Mike Scarlett (CMC).

As the game wore on, the Tigers got into foul trouble as they attempted to slow down the Stags' offense. A.J. Pulliam put up 14 points in the game, closely followed by Matt Selling with 11 points.

Lane led CMS in rebounds with eight, three of which were offensive. The center also was 2-2 from the foul line, an improvement from last season's 60% in free throw attempts.

CMS is now 3-1 and next face Lewis & Clark and Grove City in the 2014 Wells Classic hosted by CMS and Pomona-Pitzer on Nov. 28-29. Game times are 8 p.m. on Nov. 28 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 29, both held at the Rains Center.

Box Score

Sign up for CMS Email Updates
Become a fan of CMS Athletics on Facebook: AthleticsCMS
Follows CMS Athletics on Twitter: @AthleticsCMS
CMS Athletics on Instagram: cmsathletics
Watch CMS Athletics videos on YouTube: ClaremontMuddScripps
#goathenas    #gostags