Saints knock off No.1 Chemeketa, but fail to crack playoffs

After losing at home for the first time since early January against Southwestern Oregon Community College Saturday, the men’s basketball team stole a road win Wednesday night from Chemeketa Community College, 87-84.

The Saints, who have struggled this season in away games, managed to beat the best team in the division and ended up sweeping their regular season match-ups with the Storm.

Wednesday night was arguably one of MHCC best wins of the year. The Saints had five players in double figures, including Jalen Thomas, who came off the bench and scored 17 points. Mac Johnson had team high 21 points and added seven rebounds.

“We played more focused and stayed patient throughout the game. We stayed with it. It was a team effort — and Thomas stepped up,” said head coach Geoff Gibor.

The Saints shot 51 percent from the field and stayed hot, especially in the second half, scoring 44 points as Chemeketa scored 36.

“We had inside, high percentage shots. We bounced back from Saturday’s game, not allowing big mistakes,” said Gibor.

The Saints have one more game left and it will be their last, as this year they did not qualify for the NWAACC tournament.

MHCC was working toward a three-way tie with Portland Community College and Clackamas Community College for the fourth place in the Southern Region (four teams go to NWAACCs) and the Chemeketa win keeps that in play. MHCC is now 6-7 in conference record, and PCC and CCC are 7-6. But even if the Saints win Saturday and the other two teams lose to create the three-way tie, the Saints would be eliminated from the post-season on a tiebreaker using head-to-head competition with the other teams.

In last Saturday’s 76-67 loss to SWOCC, the Saints started well and had a 34-32 lead at half. But they struggled in the second half, scoring 33 points compared to SWOCC’s 44.

Colby Mitchell was the team’s highest contributor with 13 points and seven rebounds. Starters Blake Updike, Landon Rushton and Brock Otis all scored in double figures but it wasn’t enough to win the game. Updike, who has been the Saints most consistent sharpshooter, had troubles from the 3-point line, shooting 2-7 from beyond the arc.

Starting Center Mac Johnson also contributed a near double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

Although the Saints lost, there were some positives to look at, as MHCC won the rebound battle 41-27 and out-hustled SWOCC on second chance points 15-3.

Going into Saturday’s game against Linn-Benton, Gibor says he wants his team to play with pride and passion.

Linn-Benton is coming off a 72-64 loss to SWOCC. The two teams previously met Jan.26, with Linn-Benton winning 71-68.

“It’s been a long year. Our guys have matured, there have been lots of changes but they have responded well throughout the year,” said Gibor.

“It’s our last game. We’ve gotta stay patient and play well,” said Gibor.

The game is at home and starts at 4 p.m.