NEW WILMINGTON, PA - Geneva′s 16-game losing streak came to an end Saturday against its biggest rival as the Golden Tornadoes came from behind in the final 18 seconds to win and set the stage for a preliminary Conference playoff game at the same place Monday between the same two teams.
With 18 seconds left, Westminster led 72-71 and Geneva freshman Chaese Vaudrin (Uniontown, OH) was fouled. Playing in his first game back after an injury, Vaudrin sank both free throws - his 13th and 14th points - to give Geneva the lead.
After seeing its previous game lost at the buzzer on a half-court shot and the previous game with Westminster lost on a three-pointer at the end of overtime, Geneva knew not to celebrate early. Junior Tyler Damazo (Blackhawk), who provided the tip at the buzzer in regulation against Westminster, came up with a steal with seven seconds left, made one of his free throws and Westminster could not get a shot off.
Damazo recorded his second straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds and senior Jordan Harbison (Portersville Christian School), the conference leader in three-pointers with 3.1 per game made six to finish with 22 points. Senior Trevor York (Sycamore Covenant, IN) added 15 points and senior Zach Hayward (Blackhawk) had eight rebounds.
"The team celebrated, they definitely did," said head coach Jeff Santarsiero, who team improved to 4-21, 1-15 in the conference. "After the loss Wednesday, I don′t know if we could have taken another buzzer-beater.
"We have really played well the past two games. It was good to get Chaese back and Jordan had a really good night. Now we have to figure out how to beat them again at the same place but the team really enjoyed this win."
Geneva College invites students to accept the challenge of an academically excellent, Christ-centered education. Offering nearly 40 undergraduate majors, Adult Degree Programs with fully online and campus-based options, and seven graduate degrees, Geneva has programs that place students at the forefront of higher learning. Adhering to the inerrancy of Scripture, a Geneva education is grounded in God′s word as well as in a core curriculum designed to prepare students vocationally to think, write and communicate well in today′s world.
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