Chargers Stun Falcons

By Eric Thompson

The Chargers came from 11 points behind with 5 minutes to play, winning on a Matthew Gray three-pointer to claim the final spot in the 2018-19 PACWEST Men’s Basketball Championship semifinal round.

The two sides traded points back and forth for most of the first half, but a timeout taken by the Falcons with around 7 minutes left in the second quarter seemed to be just what Langara needed, as they would start an 8-0 run soon after coming out of the timeout, and would hold onto the eight-point lead as the half would finish with the Falcons leading 44-36.

The Chargers started the lead strong, cutting the Falcons lead to three, but the Chargers were quickly able to bounce back and embark on another big run, scoring nine straight points to open the advantage up to 13. Ismail Abdulahi hit a three-point shot with just seconds remaining in the quarter, but Langara maintained a 13-point lead after 30 minutes of play.

Camosun started the quarter on a 7-2 run, but the Falcons quickly stifled the comeback and opened their lead back to eleven points with just over five minutes remaining in the game. But with the chips down, the Chargers went on the offensive. Matthew Gray scored a layup, the Chargers recovered the rebound on the ensuing Falcons possession, and Camosun hit three consecutive three-point shots in 25 seconds to wipe out the Falcons lead entirely and tie the game at 83. The teams went back and forth once again, and with the Chargers down by two and 30 seconds remaining, Matthew Gray hit an incredible step-back game-winning three. Camosun added a point on a free throw and won 93-91.

Player of the Game honours were awarded to Camosun’s Dallas Hancox, who finished with 21 points and 6 rebounds, and Moeiz Athaya of the Falcons, who put up 27 points and 7 rebounds.

Following the game Chargers' head coach Scot Cuachon talked with Ryan Watters about the upset win.