Phoenix, AZ- In a game that will bring back memories of last years epic shootouts against Grand Canyon on the road, the Swords pulled out a barnburner 92-89 in double overtime.
Chaminade took control of the game early, and led throughout the first half, talking a 38-30 lead into the half.
Grand Canyon answered back in the second half, holding Chaminade to 30% shooting and 11% from three (1-11). Unfortunately for Grand Canyon, the one three turned out to be the game changer. With time just about to expire and the Swords down 73-70, senior guard
Darrell Birton came off a screen and knocked down a three at the buzzer to send the game to overtime.
The first overtime could not decide a winner as the two teams each scored 10 points a piece to make the score 83-83.
The second overtime saw
Mohamed Tangara dominate the post. The senior finished with 23 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Tangara shot 13-15 from the free throw line.
Six Swords scored in double figure,
Jamar Berry and
Noah Gottlieb each had 16 points, Berry also added 10 rebounds. Sophomore
Cartier Carter added 12 points and 4 steals, and
Joel Smith added 11 points and 7 rebounds.
Darrell Birton added 10 points in the win.
The Swords out-rebounded the 'Lopes 44-39. Grand Canyon shot 11-30 from three (37%) in defeat.
Brandon McGruder led GCU with 27 points, Eric Cuen had 22 points and 6 rebounds for the 'Lopes.
The Swords move to 5-6 overall, and 2-1 in the Pac West conference. GCU falls to 1-2 in the Pac West. Chaminade is back at home on Jan. 13th against NDNU at 7:30 PM HT.
