The young and tough Caltech Beavers men's basketball team showed resilience in its last matchup of the season. The team hosted California Lutheran University, the current kings of SCIAC basketball last Saturday afternoon at the Braun Gymnasium. With a tough test ahead to end the season, the Beavers remained focused and improved in comparison to their last matchup against the Kingsmen.
Last Saturday would be the last time that the following three players suited up for the Beavers: James Downs (Huntington Beach, Calif.), Riley Wood (Richmond, Va. / St. Christopher's School), and Evan Portnoi (Short Hills, N.J. / Northfield Mount Hermon). "I'm so proud of the seniors," Head Coach Dr. Oliver Eslinger said. "Loved seeing them play our defense and work so hard. They go out by leaving it all on the floor, and hitting free throws. James, Evan, and Riley are the example of what it takes to play and compete in our system."
Evan Portnoi finished his career having made 33 three-pointers. Riley Wood finished his career with 369 rebounds. James Downs finished his career with 86 points. These three men exemplify what it means to have Caltech DNA. Work ethic, drive, resilience, and a habit of loving ball.
Wood led both teams in rebounds with eight total. First-year Stuart Florescu (Toronto, Ont. / Crescent School) was right behind him, as he collected 7 rebounds on the day. The Beavers combined for 50 points, 20 of which came from the paint. Junior guard Noah Hicks (Oxford, Ga. / George Walton Academy) led the team in scoring with 13 points.
There are many things to look forward to in Caltech basketball, for example, the two first-year guards Josh Balami (Woodbury, Minn. / Math and Science Academy) and Chase Williamson (McDonough, Ga. / Union Grove) combined for 18 points in the final game of the season, they're a dynamic duo in the making. The season might be over but the Beavers will retain almost their whole roster in the upcoming season as they graduate just three seniors this spring. Be on the lookout for future news on the basketball team.
