       |
|
|
 |
February 9, 2008 Lacey, WA – Jake Linton hit a three in the final seconds of regulation to tie the game forcing the extra period then sealed the victory with two free throws at the end of overtime to help Saint Martin’s to a 85-83 victory over Western Washington University Saturday night at the SMU Pavilion. Western had taken a 73-69 lead with one minute left on the clock but Tyler Nixon, who had 11 points for the Saints, hit two free throws to cut the margin in half with 41 seconds to go. Derrick Webb made one of two free throws to put the Vikings back up by three but with just 10 seconds left to play Linton sank a deep three to tie the game and force the overtime. The Saints led for much of overtime but Western was able to tie it 83-83 on a jumper by Andrew Ready, setting up Linton’s free throws. WWU got off one final shot but Webb’s three was no good as the Saints picked up the win. “We knew we needed to contain them tonight. We came together, executed well and got some big stops at the end,” said Galen Squiers. “It was a definite team victory.” Blake Poole posted his first collegiate double-double with game-highs of 25 points and 14 rebounds while Linton added 21 points and seven assists. Michael McIver posted 16 points and six rebounds on the night. The Vikings, who fell to 5-6 in conference and 12-8 overall, were led by Steve Alford with 19 points. “We wanted to be aggressive from the beginning and start off strong. To be down in the second half and then come back to force overtime was big,” said McIver. SMU established a 29-21 lead on a layup by Poole with 5:58 left in the first half but the Vikings strung together a 15-3 run to take a four point advantage into the break. Western led by as much as 11 in the second half but the Saints battled back regaining the lead on a Linton three pointer at the 6:39 mark. “As a team we played together, overcame obstacles and got the job done,” said Poole. It is the first time since the 1998-99 season that Saint Martin’s has swept the regular season series against Western. “This was a great team effort. We got some significant contributions from guys stepping up tonight. Michael and Blake both played great games and Tyler gave us energy and passion to get back in the game when we need to,” said head coach Keith Cooper. The Saints, 5-6 in GNAC and 10-10 overall, are back on the road next week taking on Seattle University Thursday night.
|
|
