Livermore, Riordan boys basketball teams go into OT for memorable wins

Livermore sophomore Amare Chandler hits two buzzer-beaters, while Riordan outlasts St. Ignatius in double OT

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In a boys basketball season filled with memorable games and performances, Livermore and Riordan posted victories the likes of which longtime observers said they had never seen. Livermore sophomore Amare Chandler scored a career-high 40 points, including two buzzer-beating 3-pointers, to lead his team to an 83-80 overtime win over California-San Ramon. Meanwhile, No. 1 Riordan outlasted No. 3 St. Ignatius 100-95 in a double-overtime thriller, with Andrew Hilman and Cole White leading the way for the Crusaders.

Why it matters

These games highlighted the incredible talent and competitiveness of high school basketball in the Bay Area, with both Livermore and Riordan pulling off dramatic victories against tough opponents. The Livermore win was historic, as it marked the first NCS road playoff win in school history, while Riordan's victory extended their impressive WCAL win streak to 44 games.

The details

In the Livermore game, Chandler scored 40 points, including two buzzer-beating 3-pointers - one to send the game to overtime and the other to win it. Livermore also got key contributions from Ryder Shah-Welch, CT Harper, and Dylan Wherry. In the Riordan-St. Ignatius game, Hilman scored a career-high 33 points before fouling out, while Cole White added 27 points and JP Pihtovs had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks for the Crusaders. St. Ignatius was led by Noah Kirsch-Lopez, Raymond Whitley, Shawn Boquiren, Steele Labagh, and Anthony D'Acquisto.

  • On Tuesday night, February 18, 2026

The players

Amare Chandler

A 6-foot-6 sophomore wing for the Livermore Cowboys who scored a career-high 40 points, including two buzzer-beating 3-pointers, to lead his team to an 83-80 overtime win over California-San Ramon in the NCS Division 1 playoffs.

Andrew Hilman

A senior guard for the Riordan Crusaders who scored a career-high 33 points before fouling out in Riordan's 100-95 double-overtime win over St. Ignatius.

Cole White

A junior guard for the Riordan Crusaders who scored a career-high 27 points to help lead his team to the double-overtime victory over St. Ignatius.

JP Pihtovs

A 6-foot-8 post player for the Riordan Crusaders who contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks in the double-overtime win over St. Ignatius.

Noah Kirsch-Lopez

A player for the St. Ignatius Wildcats who scored 21 points in the double-overtime loss to Riordan.

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What they’re saying

“This was for the seniors because those are my boys. I could not let them down.”

— Amare Chandler

“If I went inside, I think I probably would have been doubled and I couldn't take the last shot. In those situations, I feel I should have the ball and take the last shot.”

— Amare Chandler

“Both teams played their guts out and every fan got their money's worth. It was a battle of attrition. I didn't think there could be a better game than the first, but this one might never be topped. Neither team was afraid of the moment.”

— Joey Curtin, Riordan head coach

“I've said since the summer, watch out for St. Ignatius — they're a NorCal Open team. They're big, can shoot and they defend. I wouldn't doubt it if we see them again. At least once.”

— Joey Curtin, Riordan head coach

What’s next

The CCS playoff pairings were announced on Wednesday, with Riordan as the No. 1 seed in the Open Division and St. Ignatius as the No. 2 seed. The CCS finals this season have moved to USF after more than 20 years at Santa Clara University.

The takeaway

These thrilling overtime games showcased the incredible talent and competitiveness of high school basketball in the Bay Area. Livermore's historic win and Riordan's extended WCAL win streak demonstrated the depth of quality teams and players in the region, setting the stage for an exciting CCS playoff run.