Danny Galdamez scored 18 points and two other West Coast Baptist
players reached double figures as the visiting Eagles spoiled
Caltech's home opener on Thursday night, 66-50. In the first half,
the Beavers' early defensive intensity, along with a Mike Edwards'
jumper at the 13:21 mark, gave the home team a 12-11 advantage.
Galdamez, though, quickly helped the visitors reclaim the lead -
one they wouldn't relinquish - with back-to-back 3-point shots.
After a Caltech time out, Ryan Elmquist and Alex Runkel converted
two lay ups to close the gap to one point; however, a subsequent
steal and lay in by the guests' Akeem Smith sparked a 19-7 run as
West Coast Baptist held a healthy 36-23 halftime lead.
A quick spurt to start the second stanza enabled the Eagles to
widen the margin to 17 before a Pan Wang jump shot eradicated the
visitors' momentum. West Coast Baptist followed the Caltech
conversion with two points, but an Edwards' 3-pointer, a steal by
Ethan Boroson, and another jumper by Edwards forced the Eagles to
call for time, still ahead 42-30. A lay up by Runkel, a block by
Boroson, and a free throw by Elmquist allowed Caltech to close the
spread to 9 points, but a damaging 23-9 run by West Coast Baptist
sealed the win after 7 Beaver turnovers.
Though Caltech out rebounded West Coast Baptist 36-30 - 14-9 on
the offensive glass - the Beavers, uncharacteristically, made only
11 of 23 free throws. Edwards paced Caltech with a game high 19
points and added 6 boards, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Elmquist
managed 11 points (9 after the half), and snagged 5 rebounds,
dished out 3 assists, and blocked 2 shots. Runkel scored 8 points
and led the team in rebounding for the second game in a row with a
game high 9 caroms. Boroson was seemingly everywhere, with 5
points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.
Caltech is off until next Tuesday when they host Whitman. Tip off
is slated for 7:30 pm.
BOXSCORE
