Pasadena, CA - Led by junior Travis
Haussler's 35 points including 5 of 5 from 3 and 13 rebounds with
an inspiring effort from senior Bryan Hires (19 points, 9 of 11
free throws) Caltech came close to breaking a 23-year conference
losing streak before succumbing in overtime to a skilled Redlands
squad lead by Dave Thomas and Dan Selway with 26 each respectively.
The Beavers did take two short-lived leads in the second half
only to see the Bulldogs respond. With 1:26 remaining in
regulation, senior Bryan Hires committed his fifth foul; Redlands
made the 2 ensuing free throws for a 5 point lead. With poise
and toughness the Techers responded with 2 free throws from Travis
Haussler, a Ryan Elmquist (44 minutes 10 points 7 assists 6
rebounds) block at the rim of a Thomas lay-up followed by a Matt
Dellatorre (17 points) tough finish in the lane to draw within 1
with 27 seconds remaining. Caltech gave a quick foul with
almost no time running off the clock. Redlands only converted
1 of the 2 free throws and Caltech held the game in their
hands. Again Matt Dellatorre worked hard into the lane for a
contested lay-up with 7 seconds that missed but freshman Ryan
Elmquist, he of the big blocked shot 2 possessions earlier, tipped
in the miss for the 84-84 tie.
Caltech scored on the opening possession of overtime to take a
lead. But Redlands grabbed 2 offensive rebounds on their next
possession and finally scored on the third try to even the
score. Caltech's next 3 possessions were a missed 3, a
turnover, another missed 3. Redlands scored 2 baskets and
made 2 free throws to establish control of the contest. Final
score 97-88.