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November 16, 2007 Seattle, WA – Saint Martin’s battled with Cal State Stanislaus and used offensive power from all players to come out on top with a 116-113 overtime victory over the Warriors in the first game of the Elgin Baylor Tip-off Classic Friday night at the Connelly Center. “This was a good win for us; it’s great to get a regional win to start off the season. Offensively we did some nice things; defensively we’ve still got some work to do,” said head coach Keith Cooper. “You have to give Stanislaus credit they shot also shot the ball really well and made some tough shots at critical times that kept them in the game but I really like how our kids responded down the stretch. They played with a lot of poise and focus.” The game was tied 47-47 at halftime and 100-100 at the end of regulation with the lead changing a total of 32 times throughout. “It’s good to get off to a 1-0 start,” said Campbell. “We played a little out of character at times but we pulled it together and that’s what good teams do. We had a lot of guys that came in and played big roles for us tonight.” Saint Martin’s went up by nine in the first half only to see the Warriors put together a 12-2 run to take a one point advantage. Two made free throws by Jake Linton would tie the game going into the break. The second half was much of the same as the score went back and forth with neither team going ahead by more than six. With just over a minute left in regulation Stanislaus made two free throws to take a 100-97 lead but Linton sank a three with just 49 seconds on the clock to send the game into overtime. With seven seconds left in overtime the Warriors pulled to within one on two made free throws but the Saints answered back with two of their own to go ahead by three. As the clock wound down Stanislaus set up for one final shot but a forced turnover and steal by Mike Ognoskie would keep the game out of reach for the Warriors and give the Saints the victory. “We made some good strides tonight as a team. We still have some work to do but it was good to see us make progress,” said Linton. “A lot of players contributed and made some big plays throughout the game.” Linton led the Saints with 31 points, including 8-8 from the line, and added seven assists and three steals. Brendan Campbell had 24 points, six rebounds and three assists. Bill Richardson added 17 points and pulled down a game high nine boards. Michael McIver posted 11 points while Mike Ognoskie had seven assists. “Jake took over the game down the stretch but I though Brendan, Bill, Michael, a lot of guys really contributed. This was definitely a game won on depth and not just a couple of people,” added Cooper. The Saints are back in action tomorrow night as they take on Humboldt State University in their final game of the Elgin Baylor Tip-off Classic.
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