SEATTLE, Wash- J.T. Tipton posted a double-double, but it would not be enough as Sonoma State was humbled by Saint Martin's, 76-75 in overtime on Saturday night at the Elgin Baylor Classic in Seattle.  The loss sends the Seawolves to 0-2 on the year while the Saints improve to 1-1.

The Seawolves jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the first two and a half minutes with a pair of three-pointers.  Over the next few minutes, the Saints would draw even and that is where the teams would stay for the first part of the first half. 

Starting at the nine minute mark, the Seawolf shooters went cold as SMC went on a 14-0 run to build up an 11-point halftime lead. 

In the second half, SSU regained their momentum and went on a 26-9 spurt to take a 53-49 lead with just over seven minutes left.  Saint Martin's quickly took the lead back and held it until the last minute of the game.  Trailing by three with 20 seconds remaining, SSU's Barry Weiss received a feed from Patrick Mitchell and converted a layup while getting fouled.  His ensuing free throw conversion tied the game at 66.

In overtime, things looked good for the Seawolves as they built up a seven point lead at 75-68 with 2:35 remaining.  Unfortunately, they wouldn't score again as Saint Martin's put up the final eight points, the last on a layup by Stephon Harris with 37 ticks left to steal the game. 

SSU had a last chance opportunity, but three-point attempts by Mitchell and Kevin Cornwell clanked off the iron.

J.T. Tipton finished the night with 15 points and 12 rebounds.  The pre-season All-American from Watsonville was a perfect 4-for-4 on three-point attempts.  Barry Weiss turned in a fine effort as well with 17 points and nine rebounds.  Andrew Kochevar (13) and Patrick Mitchell (10) joined the Seawolf big men in double figures.  Mitchell also posted nine assists. 

Jake Linton had 20 points for Saint Martin's.  Stephon Harris took player of the game honors with 17 points and 12 boards.

After dropping their first three games last year, the Seawolves rallied to win their first ever CCAA championship with a 16-4 conference mark.  They'll need to make the same turn around this year, but it's not going to be easy.  Up next on the schedule is a pair of league games at Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino.

Box Score