UCI’s Mumford Takes Charge, Proves His Point

With two top guards suspended after being cited for shoplifting, the burden of running the UC Irvine offense the last two games has rested with Lloyd Mumford. And it’s no coincidence that Irvine is 2-0 in those games.

Mumford, who was the Anteaters’ starting point guard last season, had been moved to the off-guard spot at the beginning of the season in an effort to improve his scoring chances. But after Mumford’s performance in Irvine’s 77-71 Big West Conference victory over Cal State Fullerton Monday night, he probably will be back at the point for the rest of the season.

“It was a great experiment,” Coach Rod Baker said, “but Lloyd is a point guard and that’s where he plays best.”

Mumford scored 14 points, made 10 of 10 free-throw attempts and had nine assists. But his biggest contributions won’t show up in the box score. The 6-foot-2 senior took charge time and again when Fullerton was rallying. And he did it with about 20 seconds of rest. Mumford has played 79 minutes in Irvine’s last two games.

“He was just about dead,” Baker said. “I was begging him to hang in there for a couple of more possessions down the stretch. And he did what great players do. He made great plays when we needed them most.”

The Titans cut Irvine’s lead to 54-52 midway through the second half when Mumford took over. He scored on an acrobatic drive to put Irvine up by four points and then went to the hoop again on the Anteaters’ next possession, drawing a foul. He made both free throws and Irvine had some breathing room again.

“I know playing the point is where I belong,” Mumford said. “It’s where I feel most comfortable. I’ve played there all my life. But I’ll do whatever it takes now. I’ll go as hard as I can for 40 minutes. I’ll coach and Coach Baker can play. I just want to win.”

Mumford did some coaching, too, albeit from the floor.

When Fullerton’s press caused the tiring Mumford to commit two uncharacteristic turnovers in the closing minutes, he maintained his poise. And when the Titans cut Irvine’s advantage to five points with 41 seconds left, Mumford signaled his teammates to clear out, weaved through the key, hung in the air and tossed up a lob pass to center DeForrest Boyer, who slammed it home and sealed Irvine’s victory.

“The guys look to me to see how I respond in those situations,” Mumford said, “and that’s fine because I consider myself a leader on this team.”

And from now on, he can consider himself a point guard, too.