Crespi Outlasts Chaminade, 89-80

An emotional Dick Dornan wasted little time in proclaiming his team “Hoosiers II” after Crespi High pulled out an improbable 89-80 triple-overtime victory over Chaminade on Monday night in a Mission League game at Chaminade.

Andrew Moore scored nine of his 37 points in the third overtime to lift the Celts (13-3, 3-0 in league play).

Crespi was on the verge of defeat in the second overtime, trailing by two points with 2.4 seconds left. The Celts inbounded the ball to Kingsley Anyanwu, who made a shot from the free-throw line to tie the score at the buzzer.

Crespi overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime.

Jordan O’Gilvie of Chaminade twice contributed critical baskets. In the first overtime, he stole the ball and scored with nine seconds left to tie the score at 68-68. In the second overtime, he gave the Eagles (9-6, 1-2) a 77-75 lead with eight seconds left on a driving layup. He finished with a career-high 23 points.

“It was the greatest game I’ve ever been a part of,” said Dornan, in his third season as Crespi coach. “Our guys refused to lose.”

Moore made seven three-pointers, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. He loves Chaminade’s gym perhaps better than Crespi’s. Two seasons ago as a sophomore, he scored 14 consecutive points in the fourth quarter to help Crespi upset the Eagles, 42-38.

Charlie Shiebler of Crespi continues to be an unsung hero. Whether playing defense, grabbing rebounds or making clutch shots, he always finds a way to make a difference. He scored 16 points, had 10 rebounds and made two shots and two free throws during the three overtimes.

Scott Borchart of Chaminade turned in a courageous performance. Despite playing with a painful sprained ankle, Borchart had 22 points and didn’t leave the game until late in the third overtime.

The victory sets up an early Mission League showdown for first place on Friday night between Crespi and host Notre Dame.