NCAA Division II Men's Basketball West Regionals
ARCATA --- Chris Gweth began the decisive run with a layup, sending Seattle University on a 13-2 run over the final three minutes and 30 seconds that sealed a
69-55 victory over CAL POLY POMONA in the opener of the Division II Men's Basketball West Regional tournament.
Gweth was one of two freshmen keying the Redhawks to the win in the day’s first quarterfinal. He finished with 14 points, and freshman Ricky Berry added 16 for Seattle University.
“We were down seven, and we subbed in our two freshmen, and they brought energy into the game,” Seattle head coach Joe Callero said. “They gave us the shot in the arm we needed, and that momentum feeds to the other players when they come back in.”
Cal Poly Pomona held a 45-38 lead with 12:59 left to play, but a three-pointer by Gweth and a jumper and free throw by Berry cut the lead to one point. The game remained tight for the next seven minutes before the decisive surge began.
Larry Gordon’s 23 points led the Broncos, who shot only 30 percent from the field. Also in double figures was senior
Dion Cook, who finished with 15 points for Cal Poly Pomona.
“We executed well, and played really good defense, and the game was good basketball overall,” Cal Poly Pomona head coach
Greg Kamansky said. “The bottom line is we dien’t shoot. They were mostly good shots, open looks, but we just couldn’t hit them.”
Seattle University, now 20-8 on the year, advances to Saturday’s first semifinal at 5:30 p.m. Cal Poly Pomona finished its season at 20-8.