The Master’s Fades Down Stretch Against Bakersfield

The Master’s College watched in horror as a 13-point first-half lead, a six-game winning streak and its upset hopes faded down the stretch in Cal State Bakersfield’s 84-75 nonconference victory Tuesday night.

The Mustangs (13-4) opened the game on a torrid pace, hitting eight of their first 10 shots en route to a 20-7 lead.

Bakersfield (13-1), which has won consecutive Division II national titles, overcame Master’s quick start by stepping up the defensive pressure. By halftime, the score was tied, 35-35.

“We knew that if we played better defensively we’d be OK,” Bakersfield Coach Pat Douglass said. “We came out sluggish for the first 10 minutes.”

Foul trouble plagued Master’s during the second half. Leo Gorauskas and Doug Leaman fouled out late in the game, joining teammate Rogerio Soares, who fouled out with 12 minutes to play.

“Bakersfield shot a lot more free throws than we did, and it was a major difference in the ballgame,” Master’s Coach Bill Oates said.

Bakersfield made 22 of 30 free throws. Master’s made 10 of 15.

Master’s guard Mike Penberthy scored 22 of his 28 points in the second half.

Bakersfield forward Antoine Jefferson also stepped up his performance as the game wore on. After scoring only two points in the first half, the junior guard scored 18 in the second half.