Relentless Whittier offense too much for Stags

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Whittier Poets sustained offensive attack proved to be a tall task for the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps men's basketball team which gave up 47 points in the second half and fell by a final score of 82-70.

Despite CMS jumping out to multiple leads in the early part of the first half, the Poets kept pace and kept the game close.

Midway through, senior center Nick Lund (CMC) had a solid two and a half minute stretch of playing time where he posted four points, a block and a rebound to give CMS an 18-14 lead.

Sophomore guard Michael Scarlett (CMC) extended the Stags' advantage to seven on a three pointer with two minutes remaining in the half but the Poets quickly battled back and erased most the deficit by halftime where CMS led only by one.

The Stags came out strong to start the second half both offensively and defensively. In the first five minutes CMS took advantage of three blocks and jumped out to a 46-37 lead and appeared to have the game in control.

However, the game shifted on a series of fouls and turnovers that led to Whittier closing the gap to 46-45 only a minute and a half later.

The Poets converted on a pair of consecutive three pointers by Jacob Contreras and Ben Maynard to take a four point lead of their own.

Despite the Stags coming within one at the eight minute mark, Whittier showed why they boast the best offense in the SCIAC as they would go on to put up 22 points the rest of the way and seal the 82-70 victory.

Three CMS starters had double digit point totals including Scarlett with 14, but sophomore center Kendrick Morris (CMC) had a strong game from the bench. In only 12 minutes of playing time, Morris went 5 of 5 from the field with three free throws and four rebounds to tie senior guard Jack Earley (CMC) and senior center Shelby Lane (CMC) in points with 13.

Guard Anthony Martinez put up 18 points for the Poets along with five rebounds and guard Jacob Contreras had a solid night from beyond the arc, connecting on five of seven three's with a point total of 17.

The 8-10 (3-7 SCIAC) Stags will next travel to Occidental on Feb. 6 where they will look to avenge a home overtime loss from earlier in the season.

Box Score

By Tony Steege
Sports Information Assistant

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