WALNUT – The Grossmont College Griffins had to work an extra five minutes, but pulled out the win against Victor Valley College on Saturday, Nov. 12, 97-96 in the Gene Victor Memorial Classic at Mt. San Antonio College. 

Sammy Stewart was named to the All-tournament team for great efforts on both ends of the floor. 

"This was a great team win," head coach Doug Weber said. "Four in double figures, multiple guys with rebounds, steals and assists." 

Stewart IV led the quartet of Griffins (1-2) who scored double digits with 15 points. In the group of four were Brandon Tully (13 points), Spencer Hall and Daevin Celaya (both with 10 points). 

The game was a back-and-forth affair as there were 17 times when the game was tied and 18 lead changes. 

With 10 minutes left in the opening half, the score was tied 23-all. Just more than five minutes later, the score was tied 32-all. Grossmont would close out the half on a 12-9 run taking a 44-41 lead into the locker room. 

In the opening five minutes of the second half the Griffins widened their lead to 60-47. By the time the second half was halfway through the Griffins had seen their 13-point lead shrink to just seven. 

Five minutes later, the Griffins were hanging onto a one-point lead with a Stewart IV layup to give the Griffins the 74-73 edge. The Rams (1-2) fought back and tied the score at 86-all at the end of 40 minutes of play. 

There were six lead changes and twice the score was tied. 

"In overtime the final possession we had a great defensive possession to close out the game and get the win," Weber said. 

The Griffins will return to action on Friday when they host El Camino (4-0) in the home opener for Grossmont.