Mustangs Win But Might Have a Loss

The Master's men's basketball team defeated Life Pacific Thursday 93-67, but it might be what happened before the game that will be remembered the most.
 
Jordan Caruso, the team's starting guard and second leading scorer with 14.7 points per game, injured his leg during warm-ups and had to be helped off the court.
 
"Obviously we are disappointed for Caruso, and we have to wait and see what the doctor says," said Head Coach Kelvin Starr. "But it's a good reminder to our guys that our identity has to be in Christ, not in the game of basketball. It's a game we get to do and enjoy. Now our team has to rally and come together, step up and play team basketball down the stretch."
 
Caruso, a junior from New York City, will get an MRI in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury.
 
History was made, however, as Jordan Starr surpassed the 500-assist mark and moved past Robert "Rocket" Collins into third all-time in career assists. He hit the 500 mark when he passed to T.J. Lowery, a teammate going back to even before their high school days together at Santa Clarita Christian, who hit a 3-pointer midway through the second half to give Jordan No. 500.
 
"It's an honor and a great achievement which I'm proud of," Jordan said. "But ultimately it's a testament to all the great players I've had the opportunity to play with over the years. They had to make a lot of shots for me to get where I am, so they deserve just as much credit for it as I do. And having a lifetime friend/brother In TJ being the guy who got me to 500 is something I'll never forget. So I'm honored to share that with him."
 
Coach Starr sees the accomplishment for what it really is and how it reflects on Jordan.
 
"It's an unselfish stat, and he has always been a willing and capable passer," Coach Starr said. "He is an unselfish player. I'm happy for him. He's been through a lot and I'm happy he can finish his career here. It's been a pleasure to coach him."
 
In the game, the Mustangs (17-7, 10-5 GSAC) shot over 53% from the field and hit nine 3-pointers, something that has been a struggle in the last few games. TMU also out-rebounded LPU 44-24, including 13 offensive rebounds that led to a 17-3 margin in second chance points.
 
Caden Starr finished with 24 points, one short of his career high. Victor Ohia Obioha finished with 15 points and a team-high 13 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Kaleb Lowery also added 15 points.
 
"I think with (Caruso's injury) happening in warmups, I was proud of the way our guys were still able to focus on the game plan," Starr said. "I don't think we were great defensively tonight, but I was glad Caden was able to get off a little bit. In the second half, Victor and Kaleb opened things up down in the low block. And I thought T.J. Lowery got a chance to show what he can do and stepped up and played well on both ends of the floor."
 
The Mustangs are in second place in the conference standings and control their destiny to the post-season. Should they win out, they will secure a bye in the first round of the six-team GSAC Tournament. But the final three games will all be tests, and that begins Saturday as TMU travels to Costa Mesa to play Vanguard. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.