BELLINGHAM, Wash. (Mar. 8) - Despite a career-high 33 points from Brannon Stone and 29 more from John Hubbard, Seattle Pacific University's season came to a close in the first round of the NCAA Division II West Regional as Central Washington avenged two earlier losses by defeating the Falcons in overtime, 101-95, in Carver Gym.

The Wildcats' Damien Chapman connected on a 25-foot 3-pointer for the go-ahead basket with 11 seconds remaining. An offensive foul and technical on the SPU bench resulted in four free throws in the final 4 seconds to provide the final margin.

Central Washington (18-9) moves into Friday's semifinal round where it will meet Cal State San Bernardino for the third year in a row.

Seattle Pacific coach Ken Bone said the outcome came down to Chapman's long-distance shot.

"If he misses and we get the rebound, it's over," said Bone.

Stone (Jr., 6-9, Oak Harbor, Wa.) had given the Falcons (21-6) a 95-94 edge on two free throws with 30 seconds to go. Immediately following Chapman's trey, Aaron Bellessa (So., 6-2, Federal Way, Wa./Decatur) drove the lane but was called for a charge. Bone was assessed a technical foul for his reaction to the call and, after Paul Felker's two foul shots, Central also retained possession.

Chapman finished with 21 points, eight coming in overtime. Justin Thompson scored 27 of his 33 points after halftime for the Wildcats, who were swept by SPU during the regular season, although both games were decided by a total of five points. Thompson also had 10 rebounds.

The entire contest was played within a span of 11 points, but Central Washington held the lead for the majority of the time. The Falcons took a short-lived 76-72 lead with 4 minutes left in regulation only to have the 'Cats answer by scoring the next seven points.

Stone was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 15 seconds left, and made all three to send the game into the extra period.

Stone, Hubbard (Sr., 6-5, Inglewood, Ca.) and Nick Johnson (Jr., 6-3, Burllington, Wa./Burlington-Edison), who had 23, accounted for all but 10 of the team's points. The remaining players made just 2 of 15 field goals. Stone was 11 of 15 from the line and Hubbard made four 3-pointers.

"We played hard but did not play smart," said Bone, whose team was defending regional champion. "We didn't execute very well at either end of the court. We weren't ready to play, and that's my fault."

SPU fell behind by seven on numerous occasions in the first period.

The Falcons made just 4 of their first 14 shots, but thanks to Hubbard's hot hand and superior rebounding trimmed the gap to just 37-35 at halftime.

Seattle Pacific finished with a 42-37 rebounding advantage but committed five more turnovers (17-12). Stone and Hubbard each had nine boards.

The loss marked the first time that Seattle Pacific had failed to win its opening postseason game in the last six trips to the regionals, dating back to 1994. Hubbard finished the season with 523 points, tying him for 10th on the all-time list. Stone enters next season tied for No. 6 in career rebounds.

CENTRAL WASHINGTON -
Thompson 33, Rinta 14, McDonald 6, Bursch 4, Chapman 21, Nealey 3, Moore 2, Mitchell 4, Felker 8, Townsan 6, Littleton 0.

SEATTLE PACIFIC -
Stone 33, Hubbard 29, E. Sandrin 3, Bellessa 0, Johnson 23, Fox 0, Harris 0, Walker 3, Keely 0, Woodard 4, D. Sandrin 0.

Halftime-CWU 37, SPU 35. Regulation-SPU 81, CWU 81.