TORONTO – Jona Bermillo's 23 points and Mike Andrews 17 combined with 18 rebounds including nine on the offensive end paced the way at the 2015 CIS Final-8 men's basketball championship on Thursday night in Toronto.  Unfortunately for Bishop's it was not enough as the third-ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees snuck away with a 91-85 overtime victory over the inspired Gaiters.
 
A sea of purple overtook Mattamy Athletic Centre as the Gee-Gees and Gaiters battled in the nightcap of four quarterfinals. The boisterous Gaiters faithful helped pull them out of a 19-11 hole after the first quarter. Bishop's answered with a 24-3 run and grabbed a 35-28 advantage at the halftime break.
 
After Ottawa scored a pair of quick strikes to open the third stanza, the 2014 CIS Finalists seemed ready to take control of the game. The veteran Gaiters squad did let that happen and bounced back with momentum and maintained a 51-46 lead entering the final frame.
 
A high-scoring fourth quarter ended with the Gaiters being out-scored by their opponents 30-25 including two free-throws by Caleb Agada (Burlington, Ont.) with 10 seconds remaining to level the score at 76. They came after the Gaiters Kurtis Caro (Montreal) was charged with a blocking foul that could have gone either way. Ottawa who trailed for most of the fourth quarter was able to force extra time.
 
In overtime the Gee-Gees, who received the at large bid after losing in the first round of the OUA playoffs, pulled away early. Bishop's and their fans refused to quit.  Down nine with just over a minute remaining Bermillo (Montreal) nailed a three pointer, his sixth of the game. Following a Gee-Gee turnover and Gaiters miss Andrews (Oakville, Ont.) gabbed his ninth offensive rebound of the night and laid the ball in to make the Ottawa advantage just four points. The Gee-Gees converted two free throws on the next possession but senior guard Jamil Abiad (Orleans, Ont.) knocked down a quick three to give the Gaiters life one more time.  It was not enough and the Gee-Gees were able close the door on the 91-85 victory and held off what would have been the upset of the tournament.
 
"It's pretty devastating," said Gaiters bench boss Rod Gilpin. "I thought we played hard the whole game. Today was not a surprise for us.  We definitely believed that we could win.
 
"The fan support was outstanding but not surprising. Bishop's fans travel well.  I don't think anyone really understands what it's like unless you have gone there.  It is a special place."
 
Caro, for his part played one of his best games in a Bishop's uniform.  The third-year guard played 27 minutes and scored four points while adding two assists and a steal however it was on the defensive end where he made an impact.  He was tasked with guarding CIS player of the year Johnny Berhanemeskel (Ottawa).  The Gaiters as a whole held the standout to 7-16 shooting and 19 points, below his season average of 23.2 per game. 
 
The Gaiters were able to use their size to their advantage out-rebounding the Gee-Gees 53-34 however committed 28 turnovers to Ottawa's 14.  The purple had 28 personal fouls called against them compared to 17 against Ottawa. Bishop's shot 46.5 percent from three-point range while holding the Gee-Gees to just 24.2 percent from downtown.
 
The Gaiters will not have long to recover from their heartbreaker.  They play the Windsor Lancers on Friday at 4 p.m. in the consolation side of the draw. The game will take place at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, perhaps forever known as a big version of Mitchell Gym about eight hours west of campus.
 
Stay up-to-date with the Gaiters throughout their CIS Final-8 run in Toronto and anytime at www.gaiters.ca or on Twitter @BishopsGaiters using #GaiterNation.
 
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For More Information:
Marty Rourke
Sports Information Coordinator
c. 819-574-4498
mrourke@ubishops.ca.