November 20, 2006

Seattle, WA (November 17) – Saint Martin’s couldn’t come back from a halftime deficit and lost to Ashland University 92-79 Friday at the Elgin Baylor Classic in Seattle.

The Eagles jumped ahead early in the first half but the Saints came back to take the lead 17-16 with just under eight minutes left. Ashland then went on a tear scoring 25 of the last 37 points in the half to take a 41-28 lead going into the break.

The Saints battled through the entire second half, matching the Eagles point for point, both teams posted 51 points in the half. But the original deficit was too much for them to overcome as Ashland took the win.

“We looked like we took a week and a half off. We were a little rusty and they were up 13 at half,” said head coach Keith Cooper. “With about 3:00 minutes left we pulled to within six but couldn’t quite get over that hump. We didn’t play real well against a real good team but scrapped back and played a good second half.”

Jake Linton led the Saints with 22 points and went 12-12 from the free throw line. Stephon Harris added 15 points. Brendan Campbell had 13 points and 11 rebounds while Greg O’Neal had 12 points.

Seattle, WA (November 18) – Saint Martin’s scored the final nine points of overtime to upset nationally 24th ranked Sonoma State 76-75 Saturday at the Elgin Baylor Classic in Seattle.

The Saints led by 11 going in to halftime but the Seawolves came back with a vengeance in the second half. They posted a 17-6 run to tie the game 44-44. The Saints regained the lead but with 21 seconds left in regulation Sonoma’s Barry Weiss put up a layin and made his free throw to tie it 66-66 to force the overtime.

The Seawolves led with 3:00 minutes left in overtime. Jake Linton made two free throws with 2:35 left to pull within six. Greg O’Neal then hit a three after a SSU turnover. Linton stole the ball and Tyler Nixon made a layin pulling the Saints within one point. With 39 seconds left Stephon Harris put up a layin giving the Saints the lead and the win.

Linton posted 20 points on the night. Harris added 17 points and 12 rebounds while Tyler Nixon had 10 points.

“It was a great win for the guys,” said Cooper. “We played without Trevor who was injured and Brendan Campbell was in foul trouble all night. The other guys really stepped up big. Stephon played really well. Jake ran the show like a good point guard does. Everybody contributed; it was a great team effort. I’m really proud of the guys.”

The Saints get ready to take on Grand Canyon University and Northwest University this weekend at the Chuck Randall Classic in Bellingham.