Master’s Loses but Help Sits Close at Hand

The Master’s had a lot of talent sitting on the bench Thursday night. Unfortunately, the Mustangs weren’t able to use it.

Master’s suffered a 75-51 nonconference loss to visiting Cal State Bakersfield as freshmen Melvin Adams and David Humphreys and sophomore Damon Greer could only provide vocal support. The trio--all guards--won’t be eligible until Monday.

“We really missed them out there tonight,” said Master’s Coach Mel Hankinson, whose team was playing its fourth game in seven days--two of which they have won.

“We were tired and exhausted. We needed them to give us a shot in the arm.”

Or maybe a shot at the basket.

Trailing, 58-48, with 5:30 remaining, Master’s (7-5) went scoreless for the next four and a half minutes. In the same time span, Bakersfield (5-1) scored 12 points before Jeff Newton hit a three-point basket with a minute to play.

The Master’s trailed, 33-23, at the half, but the Roadrunners quickly built a 14-point lead as 6-foot-4 center Marvin Redeemer scored Bakersfield’s first 11 points.

The Mustangs got within eight points twice but could get no closer.

Redeemer finished with a game-high 22 points.

Larry Lopez and Newton finished with 11 and 10 points for The Master’s.