BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Seattle Pacific University men's basketball team extended its winning streak to six games while ending a seven-game winning streak that belonged to Western Washington. Grant Coleman hit a game-winning 3-pointer with five seconds left to help the Falcons earn a 64-63 victory over the Vikings.
"Finding ways to win on the road is a team characteristic, and these guys trust each other," head coach Keffrey Fazio said. "I'm proud of them."
The Falcons needed a few crucial plays in the final minute to have a chance at the victory. They trailed 63-61 after Mason Landdeck knocked down two free throws with 43 seconds left. SPU needed a defensive stop to keep the game within reach.
The Vikings worked the clock down to 15 seconds on their final possession. Will Wilson went to the basket for a layup that rolled off the rim. WWU's Trevor White pulled down the rebound and went up for a layup that would have made it a four-point game. Logan Kinloch blocked the attempt and forced a jump ball. The possession arrow favored the Falcons. Kinloch's first career block had given the Falcons the chance to tie or win the game.
Head Coach Keffrey Fazio used his final timeout with 13 seconds left. Landdeck dribbled the ball down the court and attacked the basket. He was stopped near the paint. Landdeck turned and passed to Grant Coleman, standing wide open on the left wing. Coleman buried what proved to be the game-winning 3-point shot with five seconds left. Tijane Saine hurried down the court and got a shot up for the Vikings that didn't fall. Coleman's 3-pointer extended the Falcons winning streak to six games while ending a seven-game winning streak for the Vikings.
"Great poise by Mason late in the game," Fazio said. "Grant is a big-time shooter. That was the concept. Leaving room for playmaking. Glad that one went down."
The Falcons struggled from 3-point range throughout Saturday's game. Coleman's game-winner was one of just four made 3-pointers for SPU. As it has for a while, the SPU defense came through. The Falcons held the Vikings to a 38.7 percent (24-for-62) field goal percentage. It was the fifth time during this six-game winning streak that the Falcons have held opponents under 70 points.
Jaxon Nap had a huge offensive game for the Falcons. He scored a game-high 22 points on an ultra-efficient 9-for-11 shooting effort. He led the Falcons with seven rebounds while adding two assists and a steal in his solid performance.
Landdeck's free throws in the final minute were two of his 16 points. He went 7-for-9 from the free throw line for the Falcons. Landdeck had three rebounds and four assists, including one on the game-winning play. Trace Evans finished with 13 points, six rebounds, and a game-high five assists.
The Falcons return to Seattle for their final home weekend of the 2024-25 season. They host Northwest Nazarene on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, Feb. 15 the Falcons will honor Evans, Brian Caldera, and Jacob Gray before they tip off with Central Washington at 2:00 p.m. on Senior Day.
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