The University of Redlands men’s basketball team opened
the 2009-10 season on Tuesday with an exciting 92-87 win over La
Sierra University in Riverside. After overcoming an early
five-point deficit, the Bulldogs mustered a 52-47 halftime lead
that proved to be the difference in the non-conference victory.
The Golden Eagles took control early and held a 10-5 advantage just
a few minutes into the game. Redlands responded and eventually tied
it up at 12 with a jumper by junior forward Matt Dietrich (Phoenix,
AZ).
From here, a back-and-forth battle ensued, resulting in a stalemate
score again at 26.
After subbing in five new players, the Bulldogs went on an 11-6 run
to earn a slight advantage at 37-32 with five minutes to go in the
opening period.
Reentering the starters, Redlands held off a late push by La Sierra
and earned a one-point lead at 45-44.
Following another round of substitutions, the Bulldogs took off
with consecutive jumpers by junior center Jordan Sanvictores
(Redwood City, CA) and a three-pointer by senior guard Andrew
Maertens (Salt Lake City, UT), which led to a 52-47 advantage at
the break.
The second half saw a 14-point lead for the Bulldogs when senior
forward Bryan Schwartz (Las Vegas, MN) hit back-to-back free throws
with 9:19 remaining.
The Golden Eagles fought back and closed within five points but
that was all they could muster.
Critical free throws down the stretch provided enough difference
for the Maroon and Gray to capture the 92-87 victory.
Redlands gained 19 points from senior guard Pat Coffey (San Carlos,
CA), who also tallied five rebounds and five assists. Dietrich
provided 16 points and seven boards, while Maertens contributed 15
points, including five baskets from beyond the arc. Junior guard
Justin Sobczyk (Palm Desert, CA) rounded out the double-digit
scorers for Redlands as he chipped in 11 points.
La Sierra (1-4) was led by DePaul Williams with 25 points. Laviel
Picket came up with 16 points as Miles Robbins added 14.
The Bulldogs (1-0) look forward to their home opener on Saturday at
11 a.m. against Whitman College (WA).