Spring Break
Hornet's defeat Chapman in basketball exhibition game
Ronnie Nurss
Issue date: 11/8/08 Section: Sports
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This was a team that went though a complete makeover; 12 new players, a new coaching staff, and new jerseys, showcased strong offensive play in the post and a scrappy team defense that forced Chapman to 22 turnovers.
The Hornet's key players lay in their four returning players: Loren Leath (20 points), Justin Eller (18), Donald Thomas (11), and Randy Adams (5). The four players combined for 54 of the team's 64 points.
The Hornets never trailed the whole game and set the tone early with a 7-0 lead. Junior forward Eller proved to be a dominant force inside the key against the undersized Chapman front court. The Hornet's starting front court combined for 25 of the team's 37 first half points.
The Hornets controlled most of the first half. Senior Leath was a spark off the bench with seven first-half points and Eller led all players in scoring with 14.
Chapman opened the second half with a 16-6 run and chipped away the Sac State's lead, making the game close to 43-37. Guard Griffin Ramme carried Chapman with 2 three-pointers in a row with 6 minutes remaining.
With the score 51-46, The Hornets counter attacked with a basket from Leath and another from Thomas to extend the lead to nine points. After securing their lead for the rest of the second half, The Hornets won the exhibition game 64-53.
Chapman was led by Ramme, who had 14 points on 4-for-7 shooting and Justin Riley who contributed 10 points. Center Jared Kaiser added 4 points and had a game-high 10 rebounds.
Chapman shot 40 percent from behind the arc and 64 percent from the free throw line.
Loren Leath led the Hornets in scoring with 20 off the bench on 8-for-16 shooting and added three steals. Forward Eller produced 18 points and five rebounds, four of those were offensive rebounds. Thomas added 11 points.
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