Double Overtime Thriller

Capilano Blues 75
Camosun Chargers 66

An epic semifinal between the Blues and Chargers that needed double overtime to decide it with Blues scoring an improbable victory to advance to the PACWEST gold medal game.

The score was even at 27 at halftime with both teams showing strong physical play on the defensive side not giving up much offensively.  The Chargers started to pull away in the third and owned a three-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.  The Blues flipped the table and were the better team in the fourth and had a two-point lead with time ticking away until David Finch knocked down a shot to force overtime for the Chargers.

In the first extra session the teams traded baskets each scoring nine points to force a double overtime with the Blues finding an extra gear and outscored the Chargers 13-4 to claim the win.

The Blues had production from several different players but none bigger than the performance by Damein Coleman.  Over the course of the game Coleman seemed to be battling exhaustion due to a possible illness, but when the Blues needed a play, he answered the bell finishing with 22 rebounds and 14 points, named Player of the Game.  Ahmed Athman was equally brilliant, dropping 21 points before fouling out in the first overtime period.   Arshya Ghasemi came off the bench and was a major factor scoring 13 points, mostly in the second half.   As a team the Blues shot 33%.

It's heartbreak for the Chargers, who fall in the upset.  They shot 32.5% in the contest and Izzy Helman was outstanding scoring a game high 30 points, named Player of the Game and Jakob Neufeld had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. 

The Blues will now meet the VIU Mariners in the PACWEST gold medal game at 8:00pm on Saturday night.  The winner will advance to the CCAA national championship in Quebec.  The Chargers will have a quick turnaround both physically and mentally as they will play for bronze at 3:00pm on Saturday when they meet the CBC Bearcats.