Box Score HONOLULU, HI – The Swords faced Seattle Pacific in a contest between West Region powers in McCabe Gym this evening.
The Swords and the Falcons went back and forth early on in a defensive struggle as the score was knotted at 9-9 half way through the first half. A 7-0 run by the Falcons made it 16-9 SPU with seven minutes remaining in the opening half. The Falcons led 28-21 at the break.
The second half opened with a quick start by the Swords and CUH guard
Waly Coulibaly, (Bamako, Mali/Patterson) who scored a quick two followed by a three-pointer to get the Swords close. SPU's David Downs connected on four three's in the opening ten minutes of the second half, but Chaminade remained within striking distance. A
Dominique Cooks three (Wollongong, AUS/Holy Spirit) brought CUH to within six, 53-47 with under eight minutes remaining.
The game went down to the final moments as a Chaminade layup missed with 39 seconds left would have tied the score. Two SPU free throws helped seal the 61-57 Falcon win.
Junior
Bennie Murray (Fairfield, CA/ Will C. Wood) added 7 points and
Waly Coulibaly (Bamako, Mali/Patterson Prep) had 9 points and 7 rebounds for CUH.
Senior
Rickey Clayborn (Chicago, IL/ E. Chicago) was impressive off the bench, scoring 11 points and adding 5 rebounds for Chaminade in eighteen minutes of action. Seven Swords scored seven points or more, but only Clayborn hit double-digits in points.
The Swords battled the taller Falcons on the glass and won the rebounding battle 37-35. Chaminade shot 32%, while SPU shot 39%.
Seattle Pacific was led by Andy Poling with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Chaminade's next opponent is Freed-Hardeman on December 18
th in McCabe Gym. Tip is set for 2:00 PM HT.
The Swords fall to 3-4, while SPU moves to 7-2.
