MESA, Ariz. --- The Park University Gilbert men's basketball team (7-11, 1-5) defeated the La Sierra University Golden Eagles (7-10, 0-6) by a score of 87-84, Tuesday evening at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.
In a game between two teams vying for their first win in Great Southwest Athletic Conference play, the Buccaneers emerged victorious in thrilling fashion. Park-Gilbert scored its most points in a game since its 96-58 win over Bethesda on Dec. 5. This was the Bucs' first overtime bout since their 78-76 win over Life Pacific University on Jan. 9, 2025.
The first half of play saw La Sierra jump out to a five-point lead as they shot over 50% from the field, compared to Park-Gilbert's first half FG percentage of 38%. This game of runs began with the Bucs in control of a 13-4 lead five minutes into this contest. Guard Toate Sika nearly recorded his double-double in the first half alone, as Sika logged 10 points and seven rebounds.
Neither team held a double-digit lead until late in the second half, as the Golden Eagles took a 64-54 lead with 10 minutes remaining. Sika and guard Tanner Pate led the way for Park-Gilbert in this frame, combining for 22 of the team's 44 second-half points. The Bucs slowly clawed away at their deficit, cutting it to four points with three minutes remaining.
Late in the second half, Bucs head coach Gordon Stubblefield elected to run a small ball lineup while La Sierra had its two tallest players on the court. While this move hindered Park's ability to defend the paint, it created much needed spacing on the offensive end. In crunch time, an Eagle turnover led to Mahlik Lindsey tying things up at 78 on a deep three-pointer with eight seconds remaining. La Sierra was able to draw a blocking foul with .3 seconds remaining, but could not sink the game-winning free throw in regulation.
Overtime began with the Bucs on a 5-0 run, courtesy of two Sika three throws and one Lindsey three-pointer. After LSU split a pair at the free throw line, guard Caleb Ivy hit a long two, putting the Buccaneers up four with two minutes remaining. After another Golden Eagle split at the free throw line, forward Tyson Banks sunk a jumper to give Park-Gilbert a five-point lead with a minute remaining. Down three with 10 seconds remaining, La Sierra heaved up a potential game-tying three that rimmed out.
Sika recorded a season-high 24 points along with 10 rebounds, three blocks, and a steal. He shot 8-19 from the field, and went a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line. This was Sika's fourth double-double of the season. Lindsey scored 18 points and added a season-high six steals on the defensive end. Pate finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists, playing all but one minute.
The Buccaneers finished with a 41% FG percentage and a 29% three-point percentage. La Sierra shot 51% from the field and 22% from downtown.
The Buccaneers return to the court this Saturday, Jan. 17 at 3:30 p.m. MST, when the host the Life Pacific University Warriors (10-7, 1-4) at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, Ariz.
