Chapman wins second straight Fulmer Tournament

REDLANDS, Calif. – The Chapman University men's basketball team played 'can't miss' basketball in the second half of its 70-57 win over host University of Redlands on Saturday night. Literally, the Panthers could not miss – making 14 of 17 field goal attempts (82.4 percent) – on their way to a second consecutive championship at the 63rd annual Lee Fulmer Tournament in Redlands.

Chapman (6-1) snapped a 25-25 tie at halftime with a 14-0 run to open up a double-digit lead it would not relinquish. The Panthers did not miss a shot from the floor over the final 11 minutes, making eight consecutive field goals to end the game. Chapman also made four of five three-pointers in the half including a pair from senior G Max Piner who finished with 12 points.

In contrast, tournament host Redlands shot just 27.6 percent from the floor in the second half, falling to Chapman for the second time this season.

Senior F Justin Riley finished with a game-high 17 points, five rebounds and three blocked shots and was named to the All-Tournament team. Junior C Ben Ricard came off the bench to score 15 points on 7 of 8 shooting and grabbed seven boards.

Chapman earned its berth in the championship game on Friday night with a 78-62 win over Whittier College. Tournament MVP senior G Griffin Ramme led the Panthers with 17 points, six assists and four steals. Again, it was the Panthers' second-half play that broke open an otherwise close game (36-33 CU) at halftime.

Piner and Ricard had 15 and 16 points, respectively and junior PG Brandon Lin made four three-pointers to finish with 14 points and seven assists.

In the tournament opener on Thursday, Ramme and Riley paced the Panthers with 14 and 12 points apiece. Fourteen different Chapman players scored at least two points as the Panthers cruised to a 76-53 win over American Sports University.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

Season stats: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/files/teamstat.htm