Ryan Dame finishes the dunk!

It was another “edge of the seat” contest at Van Noord Arena Friday night as the Knights of Calvin avenged the last second loss to the Tigers last year with a 92-88 double overtime victory.  “We certainly had our chances,” said head coach Gary Bailey, “but Calvin made clutch plays when they needed them and we didn’t.  We played well for 98% of the game but you can’t have any lapses against a team like Calvin.  We will use this as a learning experience and grow from it.”

It was the Knights’ Tom Snikkers who was the thorn in the Tigers’ side, hitting two clutch three pointers late in the game to save Calvin from their third straight loss to GBC.  The junior finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds.  The Tigers put five players in double figures.  Ryan Dame led Grace with 21 points and 7 rebounds, John Oostema had 15 points and 4 steals, Ryan Krombeen had 13 points and 9 rebounds, Zach Schutte had 13 points and 6 rebounds, and Cory Jamieson chipped in 11 points.  It’s not often the Tigers lose the battle of the boards but Calvin’s depth and size seemed to wear the Tigers down in the second half as the Knights enjoyed a 56-42 rebounding advantage after being even at the half, 24-24.  Rebounds and free throws proved to be the difference.  Calvin shot 78% from the charity stripe while Grace was 69%.

The Tigers will take on D’Youville College in tomorrow’s consolation game at 1 PM.  Calvin will meet Willamette University in the 3 PM championship game.