The Caltech Men's Basketball Team opened the 2009-10 campaign
tonight at La Sierra University. The contest proved to be a battle
of untested teams, with the home squad coming out on top,
73-54. Each hardwood unit, sporting a flock of freshmen,
started slowly. La Sierra held a decent advantage to start the
first half at 18-9, and managed to extend its lead to 26-12 with
7:22 minutes remaining. The visiting Beavers, behind a 3-pointer by
freshman Mike Edwards, and nine straight courtesy of junior Ryan
Elmquist, responded with a 12-2 burst that cut the gap to six. A
Golden Eagle time out stopped the Caltech charge, and the home team
finished the half with a 7-2 run of its own, up 37-26.
The Beavers scored four quick ones to open the second half as
Edwards and Elmquist each went back to work. However, La Sierra, as
it was able to do all game, turned right around and extended the
margin to 47-33 at 13:36. The Beavers refused to go away, as
freshman Ethan Boroson ignited another Caltech streak with three
assists on the next four possessions. The 10-2 surge featured a
3-pointer by Edwards and frosh guard Mason Freedman, another jumper
by Edwards, and a put back by first year forward Alex Runkel. With
9:17 left, the Beavers trailed 51-46, but La Sierra held off the
visitors' final push with a steal and quick 3-point bomb. The La
Sierra edge remained under 10 points with 7:39 on the clock, but a
final 14-5 run held the pesky, young Beavers at bay.
Four freshmen started for a new look Caltech team, while three
more contributed significant minutes. Edwards poured in a game high
23 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Elmquist
totaled 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Runkel had 7 points
and 10 rebounds while Boroson had 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1
block.
Caltech will host West Coast Baptist on Thursday in its home
opener at 7:30 pm.
BOXSCORE
