SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — In a thrilling 83-81 showdown, the Loggers found their
rhythm again as they struck victory against Chapman University in an intense clash that went into overtime and kept fans on the edge of their seats on Tuesday afternoon.
Dezman Baker led the Loggers with his second double-double of the season going 7-for-12 from the floor with 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Freshman
Hugo Rutherfurd, a low post, stepped up his game scoring 18 points, seven boards and two blocks after Senior
Grant Erickson was injured a few games back. While
Taj Phillips continued to be a leading scorer for the Loggers, almost going double-double with 19 points going 10-for-12 at the free-throw line, nine assists and five rebounds.
Liam Ruttledge also stunned with 15 points and five boards.
Rutherfurd, wasted no time in making his presence known, sinking a quick three-pointer in the opening minutes. Rutherfurd's sharp shooting and Bakers quick rebounds fueled the Loggers' offensive momentum in the early stages of the game. Chapman, however, responded with equal gusto, led by the formidable Blakeley Stoughton. Stoughton landed 14 points in the first half, capitalizing on every scoring opportunity that came his way.
As the first half progressed, both teams saw multiple lead changes. The defensive prowess of both teams added an extra layer of intensity to the game. The Chapman Panthers went on an 8-point run that bared six made free-throws and ended with 3:02 left in the half. Despite a valiant effort from Puget Sound, Chapman managed to hold a narrow 39-35 lead going into halftime.
In the second half, Rutherfurd continued to demonstrate his offensive prowess, sinking crucial mid-range jumpers and draining three-pointers to ignite Puget Sound's comeback. The Loggers quickly jumped back in going for an 8-point run play of their own to take the lead. Both teams clamped down, forcing turnovers and contested shots. However, it was Puget Sound's relentless efforts on the boards, led by
Dezman Baker, that created opportunities to narrow the deficit. After yet another series of eight consecutive points from Chapman that landed them an 11-point lead, a game of cat and mouse.
In a stunning turn of events, Puget Sound managed to claw their way back as Phillips was sent to the line in the last seconds of regulation and tie the game 67-67 to go into overtime.
Both teams left no stone unturned, showcasing their skills and determination throughout the game. The Loggers brought the heat in overtime never allowing the Panthers to take the lead and showing major defensive talent. The Loggers took an early 6-point lead, however the Panthers made valent attempts to mark a comeback, but five minutes wasn't enough and the Loggers finished victoriously.
The Loggers finish their trip to California tomorrow, Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m. for a rematch against UC Santa Cruz.