CMS men, Redlands women hit the road in playoffs

The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps men and University of Redlands women's basketball teams now know the opponents they will be facing in first-round playoff action this week.

The Stags (21-6) will stay close to home and head to Chapman University (23-2) for a 7 p.m. contest on Thursday. The winner of that game will then travel to Whitworth (Wash.) for a second-round game on Saturday.

It was the scenario that coach Ken Scalmanini predicted the night before the draw was announced. He doesn't like it but understands the logic.

"It really doesn't have the whole playoff feel to it," he said. "It's a team we play every year. There is something about getting on a plane and making a trip that gives it more of a playoff feel."

The two teams did play earlier this season with the Stags prevailing 57-56.

Meanwhile the University of Redlands women, making their first playoff appearance in school history, will play the University of Puget Sound (23-4) on Friday at George Fox University.

The Bulldogs (22-5) survived two thrillers in the SCIAC tournament, winning their games by a total of three points, one in overtime.

"It might be our first time there but we're not just happy to be there. We want to win," Redlands coach Rich Murphy said. "The girls are determined. They aren't just happy showing up."

Redlands has not seen Puget Sound this season but did lose to the Loggers in a nonconference game last year.