Tenth straight win doesn't come easy for Chapman men

ORANGE, Calif. – Some timely shooting and its ability to make free throws down the stretch kept the Chapman University men's basketball team from suffering an upset loss at the hands of visiting George Fox University (Ore.) on New Year's Eve. The No. 22-ranked Panthers held on to defeat the Bruins 64-60 at Hutton Center to earn their 10th consecutive victory and improve to 12-1 on the season.

Chapman never was able to build a comfortable lead against George Fox (3-8), leading by as many as nine points with 4:43 remaining in the game. The Bruins followed with a 9-2 run, cutting the Panthers' lead to 60-58 with 51 seconds left on the clock. However, Chapman made four consecutive foul shots in the final minute and held on for the win.

The Panthers led throughout the duration of the second half thanks to some clutch shooting. At 14:08 in the second half, George Fox used back-to-back-to-back baskets to cut the Chapman lead to two, but senior G Max Piner connected on one of his two three-pointers to give the Panthers a little breathing room. A few minutes later, Chapman saw its lead shrink to one before junior G Takeshi Clifford hit his second triple of the game to keep the Bruins at arm's length.

Chapman shot over 45 percent from the field in the first half and built an 11-point lead late in the period. With the score tied 15, the Panthers went on a 15-4 run and led 30-19 with 2:44 to go. However, George Fox closed the half with eight unanswered points to trim Chapman's lead to three at the break.

Senior F Justin Riley led Chapman with 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots. Senior G Griffin Ramme and senior C Jon Consani pitched in with 11 and 10 points, apiece.

A trio of Bruins scored in double figures, led by senior F Rich Smith's double-double in points (17) and rebounds (12). Senior G Stephen Wiseley (15 points) and junior G Mike Taylor (13 points) also aided the George Fox cause.

Chapman remains unblemished against NCAA Division III opposition, improving to 11-0 within the division. The Panthers are also a perfect 5-0 at the Hutton Center this season.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

Boxscore: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/files/gfu-cu.htm