Lauren Grey
Blues Crew, Communications
In what was an electric basketball game at Capilano, the Blues stunned the second-ranked Camosun Chargers 75-66 after double overtime to advance into tomorrow's PACWEST gold medal game.
The entire game was very back-and-forth; the first half saw each team exchange big leads and then level it up. When one team looked like they were pulling away, the other would hit big shots. Fans for both teams showed up in large numbers, with many travelling from the island to support Camosun. It became a battle between the two fan bases on who could be the loudest, which definitely added to the energy of the game. The first half ended completely level at 27-27; the Blues struggled with some missed wide-open shots but managed to hit some acrobatic baskets that kept them in the game.
After the third quarter, the Blues found themselves trailing by just three, 42-39. The intensity was ramping up, and both teams were in foul trouble, which made for a tense fourth quarter. Capilano and Camosun continued to battle, each possession feeling like a must-win. With the game tied at the end of regulation, the stage was set for overtime.
After the first overtime we were still locked dead even, double overtime brought even more drama, with both teams leaving it all on the floor. You could see the effort on the floor from both sides, and the end of the game was really going to be a battle of the fittest. In the final moments, it was some clutch three-pointers and some very important under-pressure free throws that sealed the deal for the Blues. The final buzzer sounded with Capilano securing the 75-66 victory.
The Blues had some huge performances tonight from many players who played huge minutes in tonight's long game. Damein Coleman had a monster game for the Blues both offensively and defensively, he racked up 22 rebounds, 14 points and played 43 minutes. Ahmad Athman, who has been so consistent for the Blues all year long, logged 21 points and only one turnover in 39 minutes played. Even after he fouled out, he brought a lot of impact to the bench with his positive spirit and electric energy, which was key in the final minutes. Kash Lang and Arshya Ghasemi both had big games, logging important minutes and coming down with big rebounds and clutch shots.
Damein Coleman was named Player of the Game for the Blues.
With the stunning upset, Capilano advances to the gold medal game tomorrow, where they will face the first-ranked Vancouver Island Mariners for the chance to claim the PACWEST championship. The Blues will embrace the underdog mentality again and use the momentum gained tonight to fuel the fire in tomorrow's showdown. The gold medal game is set for 8 pm.
Come out and support your Blues!
