Claremont, Calif. – It was a close 40-minute game between the Kingsmen and the Sagehens as they stayed within five points of each other through the majority of the night. Jacob Alonzo stole the show for the Kingsmen offense but they still came up short 68-73 versus the Blue and White.
The first half was back and forth between the Kingsmen and the Sagehens. Alonzo and Mason Johnson combined for 25 of the Kingsmen's 33 points. They entered the halftime with a one-point deficit to Pomona-Pitzer.
The second half starter and stayed just as close as the first. Halfway through the Sagehens had a three-point lead but that didn't mean much to the Purple and Gold. They steadily climbed back on top and were leading 60-59 with just under six minutes to go.
The Sagehens regained momentum and buckled down on defense against the Kingsmen. With less than two minutes left, Pomona-Pitzer had a five-point lead. The Kingsmen quickly converted on offense to put them within three. There wasn't much scoring for the remaining minute and half as the Sagehens only put up two more points from the free throw line off the Kingsmen's intentional fouls. That completed the scoring for the game, sending the Purple and Gold home with a five-point loss to the Sagehens.
Alonzo was the game high scorer with a total of 26 points. He added an additional five rebounds, three steals, and two assists. 15 of his 26 points came in the first half when he went five for eight from the field, one for three from three, and four for four from the free throw line.
Johnson recorded 19 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Tommy Griffitts was next in line on the scoreboard for the Kingsmen. He put up eight points and three rebounds.
Four other Kingsmen contributed to their 68 points but it wasn't enough to pull out the win. Overall it was a tough shooting night for the Purple and Gold.
They hit the road again Monday to take on La Verne at 7 pm.
Box Score: CLU 68, PP 73
CLU Instagram: @clusports
Sport IG: @cluhoops
CLU Twitter: @CLUSports
Sport Twitter: @CLUmBasketball
CLU Facebook: @clusports
Hashtags: #clusports #ownthethrone #goregals #gokingsmen #theSCIAC #ncaad3
Release by Cate Boller, Assistant Sports Information Director