Hot-shooting Chapman wins big on opening night

ORANGE, Calif. - The Chapman University men's basketball team defeated La Sierra 88-63 in their home-opener Tuesday night. Junior Tyler Green hit six three pointers to lead the Panthers to a season-opening win.

Green was one of four Panthers to score in double digits and knocked down 6-of-9 three-pointers, tying his career-best from a matchup last year against La Sierra. As a team, Chapman shot 51.6 percent as a team, including 56.5 percent beyond the arc.

Chapman went up early in the game with the help of junior Rob Nelsen, who drained a three-pointer to put the Panthers up 22-12 with just over 12 minutes left.  Nelsen was just shy of a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Panthers never trailed in the game and led by as many as 29 points late in the second half. The first half also proved to be a three-point show as Chapman shot 75 percent from downtown.

The Panthers caught fire early and didn't let up, led by Green and his 7-for-10 shooting and 21 points. The junior also had one assist, and sophomore Reed Nakakihara was right behind him, making four out of his seven three pointers and two from inside the arc to add 16 points. Junior James Taylor contributed 18 points in the win and had a game-high five assists.

La Sierra trailed 45-27 at halftime  and saw the Panthers score the first four points of the second half to build a 22-point lead. The Golden Eagles never came closer than 19 points the rest of the half. The Golden Eagles were led by Kyle Hamilton and Eduardo Gomez del Casal Rodriguez, who both put up 12 points on the night.

Chapman will continue their nonconference schedule and host San Diego Christian on Sat. Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.

By Katie Bell
Sports Information Intern

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