Photo: Bob Paz

PASADENA (Dec. 17, 2019) – The Caltech men's basketball team put together another late run, this time pushing the University of Chicago in the final minutes of Tuesday's non-conference game.

After trailing 48-31 with 18 minutes to go in regulation, the Beavers put together a 32-18 run over the ensuing 15 minutes to cut the Maroons' lead to just three points. Junior guard Marcus Gee (Santa Monica, Calif. / Santa Monica) had plenty to do with the Beavers' comeback, scoring 17 of his team-best 27 points in a second half where the Beavers outscored the Maroons, 39-34. Gee, the SCIAC's leading scorer, also showcased his ability to play unselfishly while remaining a constant threat throughout the game. The junior hit sophomore wing Stephen Hei (Newcastle, Wash. / Liberty) for both of his assists, and Hei broke out with an impressive game of his own, scoring 18 points off the bench. Hei scored 12 of his points from long range.

Ultimately, Chicago's depth and experience prevailed down the stretch, but not without Caltech showing it could contend with a team in one of Division III's toughest conferences. Junior forward Spencer Schneider (Houston, Texas / Clearbrook) provided supplemental scoring with eight points and seven rebounds. Six of Schneider's points came from the free throw line. Senior forward Aaron Ayres (Tucson, Ariz. / Catalina Foothills), meanwhile gave the Beavers a big game off the bench. Ayres' physicality paid off with seven rebounds and three blocks in a season-high 31 minutes, earning his time with dynamic defensive stops, particularly in the first half.

Head Coach Dr. Oliver Eslinger and the Beavers will play one more game before Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 19 against Elmhurst College at 3 p.m.

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