Author: Gil Alcaraz
At the beginning of the year, both men’s and women’s basketball showed a desire to prove to their foes that they were worthy of SCIAC recognition. The confidence and tenacity that both teams exhibited throughout the year translated into a successful season. The hoop-shooting Tiger teams both managed to find their way into the conference tournament. Living up to the expectations set at the beginning of the season, the men and women finished second and first in the SCIAC, respectively.
The Tigers’ men’s team ended its outstanding season with an overall record of 17-9, and a SCIAC record of 9-5. A chance at post-season play came down to the final games against Cal Lutheran (CLU) and Pomona-Pitzer (PP), ending in a three-way tie for second place.
Unfortunately, a win by CLU over first-place Claremont-McKenna-Scripps (CMS) – and an Oxy loss to the Sagehens of PP – put the Tigers at the bottom of the three-way tie, giving them the fourth seed going into the conference tournament. This seeding put them in position to play the number one seed, CMS, in the first round of the tournament.
The men’s team dropped both games to the CMS Stags this season, losing 66-58 and 60-51. With the odds stacked against them, they went into CMS’ Ducey Gym Friday, Feb. 26 to play in the SCIAC tournament semifinal with their heads held high. Unfortunately, the Tigers’ season met its end here, coming away with a devastating 65-62 loss. Although Oxy’s shooting was better, the Stags dominated the boards and caused more turnovers, which eventually became the deciding factor in such a close game.
“We had a solid season, going 17-8 and getting into the SCIAC post-season tournament,” said Head Coach Brian Newhall. “That being said, I think the coaching staff and players both know that we could have done more . . . Our losses to Redlands, Pomona-Pitzer and Cal Lutheran were all games where we did not play well in crunch time.”
From the two starting players DeShun McCoy and Erid Leider (first-years), to the strong play of Jack Hanley and Jake Copithorne (sophomores), the Tigers should have an even better team next season when they take another stab at the NCAA tournament. “We will be back in the hunt for a SCIAC title next year,” said Newhall. McCoy shared Newhall’s sentiments about the team’s progress. “[The team] could have given it a little more, but it is what it is,” he said. “I need to continue working on my defensive abilities as well as building on the abilities I already have.”
The women’s team also had a successful season. The Lady Tigers met some expectations and exceeded others this season, ending with an overall record of 21-5, and a SCIAC record of 12-2. They were dominant all season long, winning the majority of their games, including a 94-36 season-opener defeat of La Sierra University.
“We had a high expectation with such a talented team, but we worked hard to win the conference and put ourselves in position to win the SCIAC tournament,” said Head Coach Heidi VanDerveer.
Although they lost the regular season finale to University of Redlands, prior to that game they were on a 12-game winning streak. Led by Dior Williams (senior) and Stephanie Babij (junior), the Lady Tigers were able to secure themselves first place in the SCIAC and the number one seed in the conference tournament.
The last time the Tigers faced-off with the Stags, on Feb. 6, the game went into overtime and Oxy came out victorious by a mere three points. On Thursday, Feb. 25 the team took on CMS in the first round of the SCIAC tournament.
CMS players took to the floor and were fierce competitors, forcing the Tigers to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter. With Makenzie Brandon (first-year) and Babij leading the attack, the Lady Tigers were able to outlast the Stags, coming away with another three point victory, with a score of 72-69.
After their win over CMS, the Tigers faced the University of Redlands Bulldogs on Saturday, Feb. 27 with an automatic NCAA tournament berth at stake. They split the regular season series against the Bulldogs, each team winning one of the two games.
Unfortunately, the series record for the Tigers would fall to 1-2. The hard-fought game involved multiple lead changes and an overtime period that had the entire crowd on its feet. Brandon and Babij again paved the offensive way for the Tigers, with some help from Williams and Katelyn Rowe (first-year) on defense. However, key turnovers and fouls kept the Tigers from sealing the deal at the end of the second half, which allowed the Bulldogs to put in a clutch three-pointer to send the game into overtime. The game resulted in a close 55-54 loss.
VanDerveer was disappointed that her team was unable to take home the SCIAC championship, but was proud of its accomplishments this year. “Both teams competed at a very high level. They got the one break that they needed and we didn’t,” she said. “The year of experience will allow the girls to know what to expect, the style of play and how to find success next year.”
Although they failed to find their way into the NCAA tournament for a second year in a row, the Lady Tigers have plenty of talented young players who, with the possible help of veterans Williams and Babij, should be more than ready to make a run at the playoffs again next year.
After a strenuous season full of hard-fought Tiger victories, both men’s and women’s basketball ended post-season SCIAC and look forward to continuing their athletic success next season.
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