Huston’s Career High Lifts Chapman, 85-79 : He Scores 33 Points as the Panthers Defeat UC Davis in Impressive Victory

Once again, Kelly Huston knew what was expected of him on the basketball court, and, yes, once again, he had little trouble in following through.

Against UC Davis Tuesday night, Huston more than filled his ever-expanding role as the center of Chapman College’s offense. He scored a career-high 33 points as the Panthers defeated Davis, 85-79, in a nonconference game in Hutton Sports Center at Orange in front of 750.

Really, for Huston, improving on career highs in scoring is nothing new. He did it last week--scoring 32--against Central Washington in opening round of the Puget Sound Holiday tournament at Tacoma, Wash. And, for the Panthers, beating Davis (5-8) is nothing unusual, as they defeated the Aggies by 13 points, also last week in the tournament.

But the latest victory, besides improving Huston’s average, also gives the Panthers some impressive numbers. Chapman is 8-4 and 6-3 at home. It also left the Panthers’ fourth-year coach, Kevin Wilson, saying that the game was one of the best three or four he has watched his team play at home.

This, despite the absence of senior guard Wayne Briggs (indefinite leave for personal reasons), junior forward Mike Minier (separated shoulder), and the ineligibility of four other players. Two of the four have played in a total of just three games.

“It was the best game I’ve seen him play defensively and in rebounding,” said Wilson of Huston, who also had 13 rebounds. “Every shot he was going into the boards. It’s just that he played so strongly. It’s conditioning. He was beating all of them down the floor.”

Huston and David Roth combined for 55 total points, including 31 in the first half to give Chapman a two-point halftime lead, 44-42. Then, in the opening minutes of the second half, the Panthers took control, scoring eight straight points.

Chapman never trailed in the second half, although Davis cut the deficit to four with 5:47 left before the Panthers stopped the rally.

Jason Rabedeaux led Davis with 28 points.

Afterward, Huston was quick to point out that his effort wasn’t a one-man show.

“We all look out for each other,” he said. “Bryan Richetto (11 assists) was throwing me some great passes.”

Said Wilson: “Kelly keeps taking him out for dinner.”

So, where is Richetto dining next?

“Anywhere he wants,” Huston said.