LAS VEGAS – It was almost like a repeat of Monday's Maui Jim Maui Invitational opener for the Chaminade University men's basketball team.
Like Monday against Oregon, a lull to start the second half resulted in the Silverswords suffering a 90-64 defeat Tuesday to Notre Dame in the Maui Jim Maui Invitational consolation round at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
Isaac Amaral-Artharee (Portland, Ore./Central Catholic) had a team-high 16 points, hitting four 3-pointers to lead the Silverswords (2-2).
Zach McIntire (Delaware, Ohio/Mercyhurst University/Delaware Hayes HS) added 13 and six rebounds while
Paris Taylor (Bolivar, Tenn./University of Green Bay/Central HS) had 10.
Notre Dame (3-1) was paced by Dane Goodwin's 17 points.
Trailing 12-4 early, the 'Swords answered with a 10-3 run capped by Smoyer's tip-in to close to within a point. The Irish would extend their lead to 24-17 but consecutive triples by
Sawyer Storms (Idaho Falls, Idaho/College of Southern Idaho/Idaho Falls HS) and
Raazhel Watkins (Concord, Calif./Sacramento State/College Park HS) brought Chaminade to within a point (24-23).
With 5:26 left in the half, Taylor's running hook put Chaminade ahead for the first time, 27-26. On the 'Swords' next possession, McIntire drilled a top-of-the-key 3 to go up, 30-26.
Down 39-38 with time winding down in the first half, the 'Swords had a prime opportunity to take a halftime lead but a missed layup resulted in a breakaway score the other way at the buzzer to put Notre Dame up 41-38 at the break.
That four-point swing seemed to provide momentum for the Irish who scored the first 21 points in the first seven minutes of the second half. The Silverswords were ice-cold during that span, missing all 11 shots while Notre Dame made 9-of-12.
Taylor's wing jumper with 13:07 remaining finally ended Chaminade's drought although they still trailed, 62-40. However the 'Swords did rediscover their offense from there, putting up 24 points in the final 13 points.
Chaminade shot 34.8 percent from the field while Notre Dame hit 56.1. The 'Swords made a season-high nine 3-pointers and committed just nine turnovers. The Irish made 12 triples and outrebounded the 'Swords, 43-to-32.
The Silverswords will face Butler in the Maui Jim Maui Invitational seventh-place game on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. Hawai'i time (6 p.m. Pacific) and will be televised on ESPNU.
