Stags triumphant in first SCIAC contest; beat Redlands 68-44

CLAREMONT, Calif. – In the first contest of Southern California Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (SCIAC) competition, the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps men's basketball team was victorious over Redlands, 68-44. Notorious for their stingy defense, this is the third game on the season in which CMS held their opponent to under 50 points.

At halftime, CMS only led by four points: 28-24. During the first half, Redlands had contained the Stags' leading scorer, Tyler Gaffaney (CGU) but left Jack Grodahl (CMC) open who scored all 12 of the points he would earn in the game.

CMS came alive in the second, and very physical, half and put up 40 to win easily by 24 points. The Stags started an 11-1 run midway through the half on a free throw by junior Shelby Lane (CMC). In that stretch, the tenacious defense forced five Bulldog turnovers.

In the whole game, CMS out-stole (10-4) and out rebounded (34-16) Redlands. Despite the lack of statistics to show for it, senior Christian Mkpado (CMC) earned his 17 minutes of playing time through tireless support on offense and superb defensive play.

Gaffaney and Scott Lynds (CMC) were the high scorers in the second half with 13 and nine points respectively.

Lane had a standout performance for his first double-double on the season. He recorded 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Box Score

After the New Year's Eve loss to Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the Stags rebounded for their first win in SCIAC and in 2015. CMS is now 8-2 overall and go on the road to face Caltech on Jan. 8 and Chapman on Jan. 10.

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