February 23, 2008
Blue Jays Sneak Past Shoremen In OT, 69-68
Whall Posts Career-Highs of 25 Points and 12 Rebounds

BALTIMORE, MD – Doug Polster's steal and layup with nine seconds left in overtime proved to be the winning points as host Johns Hopkins comes away with a 69-68 overtime victory over visiting Washington College on Saturday afternoon at Goldfarb Gymnasium in the regular season finale for both teams in Centennial Conference men's basketball action. The Blue Jays, who will take on Gettysburg next Saturday at Ursinus in the Centennial Conference Men's Basketball Tournament, improve to 16-9 overall and 12-6 in conference play, while the Shoremen wrap up the season 5-20 and 2-16 respectively.

Washington led 68-65 with 17 seconds left following a free throw by sophomore forward Bobby Klepacki (King of Prussia, PA/Upper Marion). Johns Hopkins would cut the deficit to 68-67 on a tip-in by Andrew Farber-Miller. On the ensuing inbounds pass, Polster picked off the pass and scored the winning basket with nine seconds left. The Shoremen's last chance was thwarted when Farber-Miller blocked junior guard Tim Kohlrus' (Fairfax, VA/W.T. Woodson) shot just before time expired.

In overtime, following a three by the Blue Jays to give the hosts a 60-57 lead, the Shoremen went on a 11-5 run to take a 68-65 lead. Washington led by as many as four points at 67-63 win 46 seconds left on a pair of free throws by sophomore guard Andrew Chambers (Williamsport, MD/St. Maria Goretti).

The Shoremen jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead capped by a three-point bucket by Chambers. The Blue Jays responded with a 10-0 run to take a 12-9 lead with 10:43 left in the first half. The two teams were tied 26-26 when Johns Hopkins scored two baskets in the final 35 seconds to take a 30-26 lead at halftime.

Washington opened the second half strong with a 21-7 run in the first 9:27 capped by a jumper by Kohlrus to give Washington a 47-37 lead. Johns Hopkins would rally with a 20-10 run to tie the game at 57-57 to send the game to overtime. Pat O'Connell hit a free throw with five seconds left to send the game to the extra session.

Scott Weisenfeld led the hosts with 19 points, with Polster netting 14 points and Farber-Miller chipping in with 12. Farber-Miller and Kevin Roach each led Johns Hopkins with nine rebounds. O'Connell tied for the game-high in steals with three.

For the Shoremen, sophomore forward James Whall (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) recorded career-highs with 25 points and 12 rebounds for his first career double-double. He also added two blocks in the tilt. Sophomore guard Alan Kines (Towson, MD/Towson) delivered 14 points and Chambers added 12 points. Kohlrus scored 10 points, dished out a game-best five assists and tied O'Connell for game-high in steals with three.

Washington shot 43% from the field, while holding Johns Hopkins to 37% from the floor. The Shoremen held a 44-39 edge on the boards. The Blue Jays converted 23-for-34 from the free throw line to just 13-for-20 for the Shoremen. Johns Hopkins scored 23 points off turnovers to just five for Washington.

BOX SCORE