Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Freshman Corey Blake scored a career-high 25 points as host West Chester, playing its second overtime game in as many days, defeated visiting Gannon, 83-79, on Sunday afternoon inside Hollinger Field House.
Carl Johnson (13 points) hit one of two free throws with 2:23 remaining to put West Chester on top for good, 76-75. Blake, the local product from nearby Bayard Rustin High School, then converted a layup to extend the Rams’ lead to three. A pair of free throws from Gannon’s Adam Blazek (13 points) drew the visitors back to within a point with 46 seconds to play.
However, a 3-pointer from West Chester’s Jon Breeden with 15 seconds remaining extended WCU’s lead to four (81-77). The Golden Knights’ Stephen Battle (16 points) made a layup with 10 seconds left. But, Breeden put the finishing touches on the contest with a pair of free throws with four ticks showing on the clock.
It was Breeden who nailed a pair of foul shots with 2:50 left in regulation to knot things up at 69-all. Khalif Foster then converted a layup 30 seconds later to put the Rams in front, 71-69. Gannon’s Darrell Blanton sank a pair of free throws in the final minute to tie up the game, and a 3-pointer from Breeden, followed by a jumper from Johnson, each would not fall, and both West Chester and Gannon went to OT for the second time in as many days.
West Chester (5-3, 2-2 PSAC) placed four players in double figures. Jon Breeden posted 17 points while Lance McDowell and Carl Johnson each contributed 13. Khalif Foster grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds for the Golden Rams. Gannon (3-3, 2-2) was led by Darrell Blanton’s 25 points and 11 rebounds.
