After overcoming an early eight-point deficit to eventually lead by six at halftime, the University of Redlands men's basketball team saw the opportunity for victory slip away, as the Warriors of Westmont College shot lights-out in the second period, highlighted by a 21-for-23 performance from the charity stripe. Despite gaining double-digit points from four players, the 43.3%-shooting Bulldogs came up short in the non-conference tilt by a score of 69-76.

After trailing early in the game, the Bulldogs rallied back to eventually break a 19-all tie with a 7-2 run with 6:14 remaining in the first half. During this stretch, junior guard Brian Kuklok (Poway, CA) drained a pair of three-point baskets for the Maroon and Gray.

Nonetheless, the Warriors fought to tie it up at 26 with 5:39 left on the clock.

But Redlands gained back-to-back baskets from sophomore forward Eric Radford (Federal, WA), which helped the Bulldogs to close out the half with a six-point lead.

During the second stanza, Redlands came out firing on all cylinders and extended its advantage to 11 points at the 13:19-mark when Radford knocked down a three-pointer.

However, the Warriors took advantage of free-throw opportunities and connected on their shots to regain control of the score with 6:21 to go. Critical points by Preston Branson and Nate Gibbs, including a handful from the charity stripe, gave Westmont the edge at 63-62.

Redlands fought back through the final whistle, but its shots just wouldn't fall while the Warriors took care of the ball down the stretch. Gibbs put the game out of reach for the Maroon and Gray, connecting on all six of his final attempts from the charity stripe.

Westmont's Branson led all scorers with 25 points, including 10 free throws. Gibbs backed him with 16.

For the Bulldogs, junior forward Josiah Brensdal (Kent, WA) posted 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Kuklok added 13 points, while Radford and sophomore guard Matt Calhoun (Clackamas, OR) each came away with 10. Radford and junior guard Tristan Kirk (Redlands, CA) dished out five assists apiece.

Redlands (0-3) looks forward to a short break from competition before hosting the 64th Annual Lee Fulmer Memorial Tournament on Dec. 1-3. The Bulldogs tip off the event on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. against Pacifica College.