Going For Gold

#1 Camosun Chargers vs. #2 VIU Mariners – Saturday March 7, 8:00pm | WATCH HERE

The final game of PACWEST play tips off Saturday night in an all-island rivalry game when the Chargers host the Mariners for the men’s gold medal.

Most expected and wanted this game in the Conference championship and these two schools delivered after their impressive semifinal wins on Friday.  The PISE gym at Camosun should be rockin’ with both fan bases in attendance.

These two are as even as you can get both finishing 19-5 during the regular season with rosters littered with talent.  They will match up very well with speed and size with high basketball IQs, making plays out of nothing and slashing to the hoop on the offensive side.

The Chargers are in this title game following their lopsided semifinal victory over the Okanagan Coyotes 74-53 after shooting 40%.  David Finch finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds and Cormick Brown led all scorers with 18 points.   Defensively they were solid, something that is an absolute must against the high-octane offence of the Mariners.

Speaking for the Mariners they dismantled the Capilano Blues in their semi-final 94-80 showing off their premier talent shooting 48% led by Ryan Bastian’s 20 points.  Five players scored at least 12 points as they moved the ball around for a balanced attack. 

During the regular season they met four times, the Chargers winning three of those matchups including a weekend sweep at Camosun over the Valentine’s Day weekend.  The Chargers winning two tight games of 13 and three points respectively.

Regardless of the outcome both schools will represent the PACWEST at the national championship, hosted by VIU in two weeks.  Obviously, both teams want to enter that tournament as the Conference champions.

The Mariners are appearing in this gold medal game for the 17^th consecutive season, lasting winning the title in 2024.  The last time the Chargers played for gold was in 2016, falling to the Mariners.  They have never won the PACWEST gold medal.