Step-by-step men’s basketball claim Southern Region title

The Saints men’s basketball team is heading for the NWAACC tournament in Tri-Cities, Wash. — but not before having one more nail-biter last Saturday against the Linn-Benton Roadrunners

Both teams had something on the line. A Saints loss would mean a shared Southern Region title with the Chemeketa Storm. For the Roadrunners, a loss meant losing the chance to extend their season into the post-season playoffs.

The Saints dug deep to defeat the Roadrunners 78-68 in double overtime, thereby securing sole possession of the Southern Region title.

The Saints open the NWAACC tournament on Saturday against the Shoreline Dolphins, the number four seed from the North Region. Game time is 2 p.m.

In the Linn-Benton game Feb. 25, the Saints fell behind the Roadrunners in the latter part of regulation. “They went on a run and we were down. We called a timeout because the momentum wasn’t going our way,” said sophomore Robby Rivers, who posted 13 points and five rebounds against the Roadrunners. “But we were able to come back and tie the game.”

The Roadrunners, who fell to the Saints 86-67 on Jan. 28 on Hood’s court, faced a team eager to claim the Southern Region outright with a victory. But the Roadrunners were hungry, too, looking to avenge their earlier defeat and break their tie with the Southwestern Lakers and see the post-season.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said head coach Geoff Gibor, who has been honored as the Southern Region Coach of the Year. “They were competing for a playoff stop. Their backs were against the wall, so they just didn’t quit.”

Regulation ended at 62-62, pushing the game into its first overtime, which ended at 65-all. In the second overtime, the Saints proved they wanted it more, out-scoring the Roadrunners 13-3.

“We were able to make some shots in the final to stay alive,” said Gibor, who along with his team and staff had set goals to win their region and NWAACCS. “I’m proud of our team. Anytime you win your region, you show that you have the ability . . . to win (NWAACCS.),” said Gibor.

The victory for the Saints followed the tie-breaking 94-76 win over the Storm Feb. 22 in their last home game of the season. For the team — which took the league title along with Gibor’s coach of the year award and individual awards (see awards box) — the hard work isn’t over.

The Saints will face off against Shoreline (10-6 in the North Region, 16-11 overall) Saturday in day one of the NWAACC competition.

“Our guys did a phenomenal job, but we need to keep it in perspective,” Gibor said Thursday. “At this level, what people don’t recognize is that it doesn’t matter if you’re playing the number one-ranked team or the number four-ranked team — everybody’s good.

“We’ve got all the pieces. I think it comes down to a mental game and our ability to execute under pressure if we can be patient and play our style,” he said.

If the Saints win, they will advance in the winner’s bracket to play the winner of the Walla Walla/Tacoma game on Sunday at 2 p.m. To win the championship, the Saints must win four games in a row. The semifinals would be Monday and the finals would be Tuesday at 8 p.m.

If the Saints lose in the first round, they will drop to the consolation bracket to play the loser of the Walla Walla /Tacoma game Sunday at 8 a.m. Once in the consolation bracket, the best they can place is seventh or eighth. If they lose twice, they will be eliminated from the tournament.

For the team, it’s been a good ride up to this point of the season. For sophomore point guard and team co-captain Marcus Moore, who was named as the defensive player of the year in the Southern Region, it’s time to stop talking and just play.

“Everybody is good and everybody wants it . . . and let the rest be history,” said Moore.