Stags Win With Big Second Half

Claremont-Mudd-Scripps used a second-half run to defeat the University of La Verne Leopards 71-54 on Saturday night. The Stags shot over 50% from the field for the game, a marked contrast to its poor shooting in the past two games. Chris Blees (SO, Carmichael [pictured]) had 23 points and eight rebounds and Conner Faught (JR, Agoura Hills) had 14 points to lead the Stags.

Neither team could gain an edge in a cagey first half, but the Stags blew out the Leopards in the second half. CMS held a 33-32 lead with 16:19 to play, then outscored the Leopards 33-9 over the next 12 minutes to take a 66-41 lead with four minutes to go. CMS had 44 points in the second half, hitting four of seven three-pointers, after scoring only 27 points in the first half. Blees was especially inspired by the halftime team talk; after being held to four points in the first half he dropped 19 on the Leopards in the second.

Patrick Lacey (SO, Orangevale) had 10 points and five rebounds, and Jason Toney (JR, Yorba Linda) had eight points, six rebounds and two assists for the Stags. For the coaching staff, the game was a welcome return to the stingy defense and functional offense that mark strong CMS basketball teams.

The Stags’ next game is Wednesday night in Ducey Gym against Whittier, who is tied for first place with Cal Lutheran and Pomona-Pitzer. It will be CMS’s first home game with the three schools in session since mid-November, which should help CMS defend its home court.