Box Score Photos by: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography.com
WHITTIER, Calif. – A free throw under five seconds to play sealed the victory for the Stags Tuesday night spoiling the Poets senior night 55-54 in the Graham Athletic Center.
Whittier put together a strong second half run and had an opportunity to win the game under ten seconds to play but after a missed layup from Nick Demusis (Mililani, HI) and a foul on the defensive end Remy Pinson knocked down one of two free throws that clinched the 15th SCIAC victory for the Stags.
In a quick first half that lasted just over 25 minutes the Poets saw themselves trailing by just four at the break following a 7-0 run thanks to a three pointer from Chris Barnes-Williams (Salt Lake City, UT) and a jumper and free throws from Demusis.
In the second CMS extended their lead to double digits 49-39 before Whittier put together five unanswered to pull within five. Then with 5:23 to play the Purple & Gold put together a furious comeback with an 8-0 run with two jumpers from Barnes-Williams and a huge two handed jam from Tyree Landrum (Los Angeles, Calif.) that tied the game up at 54-54 bringing the Poet faithful to their feet.
With 47 seconds to play and a rowdy crowd chanting DEFENSE, the Poets forced a turnover on the Stags ensuing possession but after an ensuing missed layup by Demusis that would have given the Poets a lead CMS' Pinson came down in transition pushing the tempo and drew a foul on Eric Jennings (Fontana, Calif.) with four seconds on the clock. After he missed the first, he sank the second to give the Stags a one point advantage and with final attempt, Jenning's three pointer would hit off the front iron as time expired allowing CMS to escape with the road victory.
Barnes-Williams led all scorers with 22 points, while hauling in seven boards. He was joined by Landrum who tossed in 16 with eight rebounds.
For CMS, Tyler Gaffaney finished with a team high 14 points to go with nine boards, while Shelby Lane and Scott Lynds had 11 and 10 points, each respectively.
This evening the Poets recognized their five seniors leaving the program and they included William Hougan (Chino, Calif.), Barnes-Williams, Jacob Porter (Temecula, Calif.), Landrum, and Dylan Irwin (Redondo Beach, Calif.).
Whittier finishes the season 11-14, 5-11 SCIAC missing the SCIAC Post Season Tournament.
