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December 1, 2007 Pueblo, CO – In a game that was tied 11 times with the lead changing hands 20 times Saint Martin’s came out on top with a 71-67 win over Regis University Saturday night on the final day of the Chuck Stephens Classic hosted by Colorado State University-Pueblo. “This was a good win over a good team in a tough environment.” said head coach Keith Cooper. “Our kids were as mentally and physically tough as they have been all year.” Regis was able to take a six point lead midway through the first half but a 12-0 run by the Saints would give them a seven point advantage. Two jumpers and a three by the Rangers quickly tied it back up. Saint Martin’s would end up taking a one point lead into the break. The second half was much of the same as neither team was able to build more than a four point lead. A dunk by Bill Richardson tied the game 65-65 with 2:57 on the clock. With 1:01 left SMU had a three point lead but a jumper by the Ranger’s Gabriel Green would cut it to one. The Saints would hit three big free throws, including two by Jake Linton and one by Justin Alexander, to take the four point victory. Richardson had a game high 21 points including eight rebounds. Brendan Campbell posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Blake Poole added 10 points. The Saints capitalized at the line shooting 73.9 percent, 34-46, while the Rangers shot just 39.4 percent, going 13-33. “Nick Smith gave us an excellent 15 minutes; he ran the team well and took good care of the ball. Bill and Brendan were really strong for us both offensively and defensively. It was a great team effort and great team win,” added Cooper. The Saints will play their first regular season home game on Wednesday, December 5th as they take on Pacific Lutheran University at 7pm at the SMU Pavilion.
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