WCC in the PIT: Stockton Tops Ireland in the Finals
By Josh Horton
Feb. 9, 2013; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard David Stockton (11) defends against Loyola Marymount Lions guard Anthony Ireland (3) during the first half at the McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament has now come to a close, and two former WCC players – David Stockton and Anthony Ireland – have made their case to NBA scouts to pick them in the upcoming draft.
One thing that both players showed throughout the weekend is winning. Stockton and Ireland combined to go 5-1 throughout the weekend, with the only loss coming when their two teams met in the championship game.
The matchup between the two WCC point guards turned out to be a thrilling one. Former Georgetown Hoya guard Markel Starks drilled a 3-pointer with .6 seconds left to propel LTD Sales System – Stockton’s team – to a 75-73 victory over Norfolk Sports Club – Ireland’s team. The game had a total of 20 lead changes, providing excitement all-game long.
No matter the outcome, it was an absolute treat watching Stockton and Ireland go at it one last time as collegiate players.
Neither player put up big numbers, but they did make contributions to their team’s successes throughout the tournament. Ireland only scored two points, but chipped in four rebounds and two assists in his 21 minutes off the bench.
Stockton was three of six from the field (eight point) in a championship winning performance from LTD Sales System. The Spokane, Wash. native showed off his patented left-handed scoop shot at the PIT, something that Bulldog fans saw plenty of during Stockton’s career at Gonzaga. He also added an assist and two rebounds.
Marquette’s Davante Gardner was the MVP of the senior showcase tournament. He finished with 20 points in the championship game.