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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 5:52 p.m., Saturday, March 11, 2006

Chaminade basketball falls to Western Washington

Advertiser Staff

Grant Dykstra scored a game-high 29 points as second-seeded Western Washington eliminated third-seeded Chaminade today, 101-91, in the NCAA Division II West Regional semifinals in Seattle.

Chaminade finished its season at 19-9. Western Washington improved to 23-6 and advanced to Monday's finals against the winner of today's game between top-seeded and host Seattle Pacific (23-5) and fifth-seeded Cal State Bakersfield (21-7).

At Seattle Pacific's Royal Brougham Pavilion, Dykstra, the all-West Region Player of the Year, went 9 of 13 from the field, including 7 of 9 from 3-point range. Teammate Ryan Diggs, an all-West Region first team honoree, added 16 points.

Chaminade reserve guard Corey Campbell scored a team-high 23 points to lead five teammates in double figures. Chris Reaves scored 14, Chris Nelson 13, Zack Whiting 11, Stewart Kussler 11 and Dylan McCune 10.

Whiting was ejected on the first possession of the second half after he made contact with another opponent. Chaminade coach Matt Mahar said an opponent was grabbing at Whiting's jersey, and Whiting raised his hands to free himself, and grazed the opponent's nose.

This was Chaminade's first NCAA Division II Tournament appearance. The Silverswords' first-year head coach Matt Mahar guided the team to a program-best 19 wins.