MLL: RIPTIDE WINS WEST, THEN BEATS CHICAGO.

Byline: Daily News

Michael Watson scored the winner at 2:54 of overtime to give the Riptide a 14-13 Major League Lacrosse victory against Chicago in front of 3,895 Saturday at Home Depot Center.

Los Angeles (9-3) wrapped up the Western Conference title before taking the field, as second-place Denver lost to San Francisco earlier in the day. Watson's goal was his third of the game and team-leading 31st of the season.

"He's one of the best to ever play the game," Riptide coach John Tucker said. "He's a guy that's undersized but tough as nails. He does all of the little things well. I'm really happy for him because he works so hard and he has no ego. All he wants to do is win games."

Graham Gill had a team-leading five goals and six points for the Riptide, including the tying goal with 16 seconds left in regulation.

The Riptide next plays host Rochester on Aug. 25 on the MLL's Championship Weekend.