CSJ wins in two overtimes
GMC struggles at the foul line
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Green Mountain College's Kenneth Williams (5) looks for room to maneuver with the ball in Monday night's men's college basketball game at College of St. Joseph in Rutland. Eyeing the play are Green Mountain's Gerard Johnson (32), and CSJ's Tyler Herrington (21) and Jamie Rajda (11) during the nonconference clash. CASSANDRA HOTALING / RUTLAND HERALD |
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By Bob Fredette Staff Writer - Published: November 17, 2009
If Monday night was any indication, men's college basketball around Rutland County is going to be a lot of fun to be a part of this winter.
College of Saint Joseph charged back from a 14-point deficit in the final six minutes of regulation and beat rival Green Mountain College 87-82 in double overtime at CSJ Athletic Center. Doug Childs' seven points in the second overtime was the beacon that capped a stirring comeback by the Fighting Saints who trailed most of the game and looked less than impressive for 34 minutes.
But the 16 minutes at the end was enough to get the job done.
"We didn't play good ball for 35 minutes but we played good ball for five after that and five after that and five after that," CSJ coach Phil Bartlett said.
Evan Jobst's two free throws put CSJ ahead for good at 82-80 with 2:27 left in the second overtime and when GM's Aaron Gonzalez lost the handle on the ball in the frontcourt, Childs gathered it up and went three-quarters of the court for a layup.
Kenneth Williams' driving layup got the Eagles back within two, but then Childs' three free throws in the last minute sealed the victory.
Childs, Jamaal Thomas and Tyler Herrington had 20 points apiece for the 2-0 Saints. Herrington had the distinction of making 3-point shots to force both overtimes.
It never would have come to this had GM not struggled so at the foul line, where the Eagles were 9-of-26.
"That's actually better than what I thought it was," said GMC coach Todd Montana, whose club was firmly in control on the strength of a well-conceived offense that move around the Saints defense, penetrated and attacked the basket.
When Vladimyr Sibera hit a runner with 6:42 left in regulation, GM led 62-48 and looked set to cruise down the stretch.
"We committed a few turnovers in key situations that allowed them to get momentum …. And at the end of the game (it was) turnovers and missed free throws," Montana said. "We had a chance to close it out but missed four or five free throws in the last minute of the game."
Former CSJ player Rui Carmo had 21 points to lead the Eagles in their opener, with Vladimyr Sibera adding 18, Gerard Johnson 15 and Williams 10.
Johnson fouled out late in the second half while CSJ lost Thomas to his fifth personal in the second overtime.
CSJ closed regulation time with a 20-6 run, including 6-1 in the final minute. Herrington had two free throws and Jamie Rajda one to close to within 68-65, with a second made free throw by Rajda erased by a CSJ lane violation. CSJ shot 25-of-35 at the line.
It was 68-65 before Herrington swished a trey with 19.3 seconds left and after GMC's Eddie Asieduo missed a driving layup, the Saints were unable to get off a final shot in regulation.
Sibera, who gave the Eagles some excellent minutes off the bench, had four points to help GMC build a 75-70 lead with 1:09 left in the first OT. Then Thomas scored on a stickback and Herrington struck for his third 3-pointer of the evening to set up another five minutes.
"Phil's got a nice group here. I think they're going to have a good year in the Sunrise (Conference). I wouldn't be surprised if they surprised Fisher and Fort Kent," Montana said.
Forget those guys, at least for now. Fans in the Rutland area will be happy to see CSJ, Green Mountain and Castleton go at it if it's going to be anything like Monday's show.
"I think yeah, it's going to be interesting," Bartlett said. "I just hope I don't lose all my hair."
bob.fredette@rutlandherald.com
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