Men's basketball comeback comes up shy in opener

ORANGE, Calif. – A late surge called for an exciting finish but the Chapman University men's basketball team fell 85-81 in its 2022-23 season-opener against UC Santa Cruz on Saturday. Down by as many as 20 points, the Panthers cut the lead down to one but couldn't complete the comeback.

Blakeley Stoughton had 23 points and Jack Roggin scored 21 to lead the Panthers second half surge. Daniel Foldes added 13 points and eight rebounds.

After 13 turnovers in the first half, the Panthers found themselves in a 42-31 hole at the break. UC Santa Cruz quickly grew that lead to 20 points after scoring the first nine points of the second half. Trailing 55-36, the Panthers clawed their way back into the game over the next three and a half minutes with a 14-2 run that saw the lead cut down to seven.

As the clock ticked under five minutes, the Panthers went on another run as Stoughton fueled a quick 7-1 run to make it 78-74 with 3:10 to go. Calvin Keyes answered for the Banana Slugs but Roggin sliced the lead down to three with a layup just over a minute late.

After a free throw from Stoughton and an answer from Avri Finch, Stoughton's three-pointer had Chapman back within one at 82-81 and less than one minute left. Finch dropped in a layup just before the shot clock expired on the next possession and UCSC was able to hold on for the win.

Chapman had just one second half turnover in the second half while forcing nine from UC Santa Cruz. Chapman shot 45 percent in the game but the Slugs ended the night hitting exactly half of their shots. UCSC also outrebounded Chapman 50-33 and scored 48 points in the paint.

The Panthers have a quick turnaround as they play La Sierra on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

By Steven Olveda
Sports Information Director

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