CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Linfield men's basketball team was neck and neck with Pomona-Pitzer, but the Sagehens pulled away for an 83-76 overtime win Friday night at Roberts Pavilion.
 
The Wildcats went up 29-27 in a quiet first half, but the Sagehens outscored them 42-40 in the second half to force overtime. The Sagehens took over the extra period, outscoring the 'Cats 14-7 to take the game.
 
"It was a tough game for our team," head coach Shanan Rosenberg said. "We played like we've been in a hotel for three days. I know our team will respond tomorrow."
 
Pomona-Pitzer shot 26.7 percent from the field and made just 1 of 12 three-pointers in the first half. The Sagehens found their rhythm in the second half, connecting on 33.3 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range. Rebounding won the game for the Sagehens as they outrebounded the Wildcats 68-39.
 
"I give Pomona-Pitzer a lot of credit for using their unparalleled size to crush us on the glass," Rosenberg said.
 
Brendan Mora led Pomona-Pitzer with a monster double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds to go with six assists, a block and a steal. He made just 4 of 14 from the field but was successful on 10 of 15 free throws. Ty Bergman also turned in a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds while Matthew Eberle also had 13 points. Joe Cookson was the fourth Sagehen to score in double figures with 10 points.
 
"We had chances to win and made a great run to take the lead down the stretch in regulation but just couldn't close," Rosenberg said. "I was proud of the way the kids fought in that stretch."
 
Senior guard Max Lommen led the 'Cats offensively with 22 points, making 7 of 11 from the field, 4 of 8 from deep and 4 of 5 from the charity stripe. He also finished with three assists, three steals and a pair of rebounds. Senior forward Aaron Baune dropped a season-high 18 points with five rebounds while senior guard Dempsey Roggenbuck also finished in double figures with 13 points to go with four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals. Sophomore guard Jackson Dupree just missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
 
"I'm sure our guys will take account of our missteps and be ready to go tomorrow," Rosenberg said. "We have a group that will take tonight from heart and grow from it."
 
NEXT
The 'Cats (2-1) will close their California road trip on Saturday against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. Northwest Conference play opens at Puget Sound on Friday.