Men's hoops mounts improbable comeback, hands Skagit first loss in OT

LYNNWOOD -- It was an instant classic in Seaview Gym Saturday night, and what a game it was. The top-ranked Cardinals showed for most of the game why they entered the contest undefeated.  

Skagit ran their lead up to as many as 18-points in the second half, but Edmonds hung in, and slowly chipped away down the stretch. With four minutes left Chris Lee was fouled beyond the arc, and after three hits from the charity stripe, the Cardinal lead was cut to seven (89-82). After a defensive stop, Naser Motley scored a bucket and was fouled, and completed the three-point play. Another Motley finish tightened the game to a 94-90 deficit, and momentum fully swung to the Tritons when Lee banked a trey off the glass with 24 seconds left, leaving Skagit ahead by just one point (94-93). Edmonds fouled on the ensuing possession, but the Cardinals missed the first of a one-and-one, and Jaden Messer was fouled on the rebound. Messer knocked down both free throws, putting Edmonds up 95-94 with 15 seconds left. Skagit only converted on one of two free throws on the other end and the score was tied 95-95 at the end of regulation.

In overtime, the Tritons went ahead on Lee's three-pointer with 4:08 and didn't trail again, eventually winning 107-103. It was a great team win as every Triton suited up saw action and contributed in the triumph. Josiah Pierre netted 22 points, Naser Motley scored 18, and Chris Lee registered a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jack Sims chipped in 10 points; Caleb Lee and Adonai Daniel notched 9 points apiece.

After two tough losses in a row by two points each, the Tritons found themselves on the right side of yet another nailbiter tonight. Edmonds (12-7, 2-2) travels north to Bellingham on Wednesday, January 24 to face Whatcom CC.