Author: Anthony Ostland
The Occidental Men’s Basketball Team (8-1) found redemption this week with a 59-41 victory over 3rd place Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (6-3). The win solidified their spot as the 20th ranked D-3 basketball team in the nation.
Not too long ago, Claremont served the Tigers their second loss of the season during the first game of conference play on January 12. The Tigers since then have been unstoppable. Averaging 48.8 percent from the field as a team, 42.5 percent from beyond the arc and 73.3 percent at the free throw line, the Tigers seem to be in cruise control as they move towards yet another SCIAC Championship.
In what seemed like a playoff atmosphere at Rush Gym, the Occidental Tigers reassured spectators and competitors alike that they are still the team to beat in conference.
From the tip-off, it was clear that controlling the tempo of the game was going to be instrumental in either team’s desired success. This of course meant avoiding turnovers, playing solid defense and cleaning up the boards. In the first half alone, the Tigers forced 12 turnovers and snagged 17 rebounds-eight of which came off the offensive glass. The Tigers maintained a flexible five point lead over the Staggs early in the game, closing the half out with clutch free throws by Chris Hunt (senior) and Gemayal McBride (senior) to preserve a 31-25 lead at the break. During the second half, Claremont managed to stay within four or five points until the Tigers opened the lead up on a 13-3 run with about 12 minutes left in the game. Center Sean Anderson (sophomore) shut the door on Claremont when he knocked down a pair of free throws, giving the Tigers an 18-point lead that withstood until time expired.
Defensively, the Tigers held the Stags to 5-22 shooting in the second half, going 0-9 from three-point land. Oxy also totaled 33 rebounds to Claremont’s 21, 14 on the offensive boards. Hunt led all players with 10 rebounds. Chris Pitcher (senior) recorded four steals while Anderson added three more blocks to his season total.
Offensively, the scoring was spread out for the Tigers, as the Staggs focused a great deal on holding Connor Whitman (senior) to just six points. Huston Conti (junior) led all scorers with 14 points, while Pitcher added 12 and Anderson put up 10.
The early defeat in conference play may have just been what the Tigers needed to drive them towards greater fortune down the road.
Look for the men’s team to continue their success tonight as they travel on the road to face the University of Redlands.
Next home game: Saturday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m., against Pomona.
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