The University of Puget Sound (24-2) defeated Pomona-Pitzer tonight 89-75, advancing to the sectional round of NCAA Division III Men’s National Tournament. Northwest Conference Player of the Year Matt Glynn led all scorers with 20 points, as the Loggers used an explosive first-half to propel themselves to victory.
Puget Sound led 50-33 at the break, thanks to an explosive first minute that set the tone for the game. The Loggers jumped all over the visiting Sagehens, running out to a 10-0 lead just fifty-seven seconds into the game. A Sagehen lay-up after a timeout broke the ice for Pomona, but not before the damage was done. Pomona-Pitzer (19-8) battled back, but could never get the run they needed and found themselves down seventeen at the break.
In the second-half Pomona-Pitzer battled back, getting as close as 77-70 on a three-pointer by guard Mark Erler with 2:45 to go in the game. Careful ball handling and clutch free throw shooting – Puget Sound made 11 of 12 over the final two-minutes forty seconds - allowed the Loggers to clinch the win and advance to the Sectional Round to be played March 12-13 at a site to be determined.
Glynn led all scorers, collecting four assists and three rebounds to go with his 20-points. Pomona was led offensively by forward Lloyd Alexander, who had 15-points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Puget Sound won the battle of the boards 42-37, and forced 27 turnovers while committing 24 on their own.
The Loggers benefited from the hot shooting of their two senior guards in the opening twenty minutes. Seniors Glynn and Mario Mendoza were a combined 5-9 on three-pointers. Mendoza had nine first-half points on three three-point field goals to lead all scorers at the half.
Tyler Vilton led Pomona-Pitzer in the first-half. Vilton had eight first-half points and two rebounds. Puget forced 18 first-half turnovers, eight of which were committed by Sagehen starting point-guard David Knowles.
Puget Sound advances to the sectional, the site of which will be announced Sunday early afternoon.