Channell Chooses Best Time to Start Sinking Free Throws

LAS VEGAS —  Khalid Channell couldn’t remember two more satisfying free throws than the ones he dropped in with four seconds left in UC Irvine’s 76-72 upset victory over Utah State in the Big West basketball tournament Friday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“I knew the pressure was on, so I just tried to clear my head, take four dribbles and put them up,” Channell said. “I knew if I could hit both of them, they’d (the Aggies) be done with.”

Channell’s free throws put the finishing touch on Irvine’s victory, but he also was a key figure throughout the second half, when he scored 16 of his game-high 20 points.

Channell, a senior who has been a key reserve all season, said he felt he struggled for a while in the first half.

“I was down on myself at one point when I picked up three early fouls and had to come out of the game. I also had missed some shots, but the coaches talked to me and got me back up again,” Channell said. “I started focusing on my rebounding, but then the scoring came along. Raimonds (Miglinieks) hit me with some beautiful passes. He’s got great court vision. He puts the ball right in your hands when you don’t even think you’re open.”

Channell said he’s been comfortable all along with his reserve role.

“When I sit on the bench at the start of the game, it gives me a chance to see how the game is being played, and it helps me get ready for it,” he said. “I’m really comfortable with that, and when I come into the game I try to make the most of the minutes I have.”

Channell has averaged 16 points over the last five games. He also has been perfect at the free-throw line in the last three. He was six for six against Utah State after going four for four over the previous two games.

“I was struggling at the free-throw line at one point, but I felt it was more mental than technical, and it’s been fine lately,” he said.