Men's basketball bests Puget Sound in season opener

ORANGE, Calif - The Chapman University men's basketball team defeated The University of Puget Sound on Friday night 63-56. Led by senior guard Hayden Moore's 19 points, the Panthers were able to rally late and take the win from the Loggers.

Moore's scoring came mostly from the three-point line where he shot 3-7 from the arc. The Panthers were also assisted by senior forward Anthony Smith's twelve points and defensive effort, putting up three steals and three blocks, leading the Panthers in both categories. 

Although the Panthers outshot the Loggers in the first half, the Loggers led the entire first half and came into the second with a four point lead. The Loggers would continue to lead throughout the game and remained on top for 33 minutes. Offensively, Puget Sound was led by junior forward Mussie Telclemarian who scored 15 points off the bench on 6-10 shooting. 

The game took a turn after a technical foul was called against Puget Sound head coach Aubrey Shelton putting Moore at the free throw line with a tie score of 52-52 with only 3:50 left in the second half. Moore sank both free throws to give the Panthers their first lead of the game. 

Senior center Alex Rogat helped secure the late lead for the Panthers scoring five of his eight points in the final two minutes of the game. Rogat also stepped up defensively late in the game getting his only block on a shot that would have made it a one-possession game with 17 seconds remaining. 

Chapman's defense held Puget Sound to a 33% field goal percentage while also holding the Loggers to 3-20 from the arc. 

The Panthers return home on Saturday., Nov. 20 at 7pm as they face UC Santa Cruz in their first matchup of the season.