MEN'S BASKETBALL
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Eagles Fly Over Beavers
Danny Galdamez scored 18 points and two other West Coast Baptist
players reached double figures as the visiting Eagles spoiled
Caltech's home opener on Thursday night, 66-50. In the first half,
the Beavers' early defensive intensity, along with a Mike Edwards'
jumper at the 13:21 mark, gave the home team a 12-11 advantage.
Galdamez, though, quickly helped the visitors reclaim the lead -
one they wouldn't relinquish - with back-to-back 3-point shots.
After a Caltech time out, Ryan Elmquist and Alex Runkel converted
two lay ups to close the gap to one point; however, a subsequent
steal and lay in by the guests' Akeem Smith sparked a 19-7 run as
West Coast Baptist held a healthy 36-23 halftime lead.
A quick spurt to start the second stanza enabled the Eagles to
widen the margin to 17 before a Pan Wang jump shot eradicated the
visitors' momentum. West Coast Baptist followed the Caltech
conversion with two points, but an Edwards' 3-pointer, a steal by
Ethan Boroson, and another jumper by Edwards forced the Eagles to
call for time, still ahead 42-30. A lay up by Runkel, a block by
Boroson, and a free throw by Elmquist allowed Caltech to close the
spread to 9 points, but a damaging 23-9 run by West Coast Baptist
sealed the win after 7 Beaver turnovers.
Though Caltech out rebounded West Coast Baptist 36-30 - 14-9 on the
offensive glass - the Beavers, uncharacteristically, made only 11
of 23 free throws. Edwards paced Caltech with a game high 19 points
and added 6 boards, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Elmquist managed 11
points (9 after the half), and snagged 5 rebounds, dished out 3
assists, and blocked 2 shots. Runkel scored 8 points and led the
team in rebounding for the second game in a row with a game high 9
caroms. Boroson was seemingly everywhere, with 5 points, 7
rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.
Caltech is off until next Tuesday when they host Whitman. Tip off
is slated for 7:30 pm.
BOXSCORE
