Honolulu, HI- Grand Canyon-Chaminade. Another Game. Another to-the-wire thriller.
In a game that Grand Canyon led most of the first half, Chaminade found a way to eek out the win, 68-65 over the 'Lopes.
Grand Canyon came out strong and looked to take a five point lead into the break. With less than a minute left in the first half, Patrick Collier knocked down a three to cut the lead to two, 27-25 at the half. It was one of only three three's for Chaminade on the night. Both the Swords (20%) and the 'Lopes (21%) could not find the range from the arc.
The game was tight down the stretch and came down to the final minutes. A Mohamed Tangara basket, combined with Jamar Berry knocking down 2 free throws put the Swords up four with 11 seconds to go. The game wasn't over yet, as GCU was not ready to call it a night. Senior Milee Karre hit a long two with six seconds left to cut the Chaminade lead to 67-65.
Jamar Berry knocked down 1of 2 free throws to make it a three point game with 3 seconds remaining. A hail-mary toss by the 'Lopes was knocked down by Darrell Birton and the Swords got the win.
Chaminade was led by Joel Smith with 17 points and 10 rebounds to go along with 5 steals. Mohamed Tangara also collected a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Jamar Berry added 15 points and 7 rebounds.
David Cuen led the 'Lopes with 15 points.
Chaminade improves to 11-8 on the year, 7-3 in the Pac West conference. Grand Canyon moves to 10-11, 3-5 in Pac West play. The Swords are back in action at Hawaii Pacific on February 18th. Game time is set for 7:30 PM HT at the Blaisdell Center.
