Chapman Men Lose Their Focus in 77-56 Loss to UC Riverside

Throughout the season, the priorities of the Chapman University men’s basketball team have changed.

And after Saturday’s 77-56 loss to UC Riverside at the Hutton Center, those priorities likely will change again.

The loss left the Panthers (5-16, 2-7) two games out of fourth place in the California Collegiate Athletic Assn., in which the top four finishers make the conference playoffs. Chapman Coach Mike Bokosky has looked for ways to keep the Panthers motivated this season, as earlier goals, such as a conference championship, fell out of reach.

Now, with five games left in CCAA play, Bokosky will again try to keep Chapman focused.

“I told the guys that realistically, we can win two of our next five,” Bokosky said. “I don’t know if they think that’s an optimistic statement or a pessimistic statement, but I think it’s a realistic statement.”

Should the Panthers come up with those two victories, a fourth-place finish and a trip to the CCAA playoffs are also realistic.

A lack of rebounding and an excess of turnovers were the key reasons for the loss to Riverside (16-5, 7-2). Another contributing factor was Chapman’s 36% shooting percentage from the field.

Riverside put together scoring runs of 10-1 and 11-0 in the first half as Chapman committed 15 turnovers and was outrebounded, 20-14.