GSAC MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT : Concordia Gets Defensive in Time to Win

Concordia advanced to the semifinals of the Golden State Athletic Conference men’s basketball tournament with a 94-79 victory over Cal Baptist Wednesday at Concordia.

Concordia (26-6), which broke a school record for victories, will play top-seeded Azusa Pacific in the semifinals at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Whittier College.

The Eagles picked up their defensive pressure with seven minutes left in the game went on an 8-0 run to take an 80-72 lead with 3:36 remaining.

“I thought they’d play tough for 40 minutes,” Concordia Coach Greg Marshall said. “I don’t think it was anything brilliant on my part. I think they just finally figured out (the Cal Baptist) offense.”

Cal Baptist (13-17) took a 21-11 lead on nine-for-12 shooting in the game’s first seven minutes. The Lancers shot 63% from the field and 64% from three-point territory in the first half.

The Eagles rallied with a 16-0 run and took a 48-46 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, Eagle forward Pharoah Jones helped to limit Keith Greeley to only five points. Greeley led the Lancers with 22 points and nine rebounds.

Craig Martin led the Eagles with 24 points, including five three-point baskets. Center Jeff Putnam added 20 points and a team-high seven rebounds.