314th OG defeats 19th CS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Regina Agoha
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The 314th Operations Group barely defeated the 19th Communications Squadron 40-37, Tuesday in an intramural basketball game in the Fitness Center gym of Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

Several fouls and turnovers from both teams kept the game closely matched from beginning to end. With both teams only having a few players to sub in for breaks, they hustled the entire game. Because the game was so close, the fate of the 314th OG was determined only by the final 30 seconds when the 19th CS had three chances to tie or win the game, but could not pull it off.

In the first half, the game took a slow start. The first few points were scored after the third minute, and both teams had their share in turning the ball over and fouling. It seemed as if the teams fed off each other, positively and negatively. The points were made back and forth, as well as the turnovers. Despite having a rough start, neither team was discouraged, but it was obvious they both knew there needed to be a major change of pace. The 314th OG took the first half 16-15.

As the second half began, the desire to win was intensified. The players began to communicate more on the court. The teammates on the sidelines were acting as coaches, supporting the players by looking out for any open shot or steal, as well encouraging them when they got fed up or frustrated.

With 11 minutes left in the game the score was tied, 26-26. This was still anyone's game and both teams knew it. For the next nine minutes, the 19th CS increased their defense, which led to a few steals and also a few fouls, but the 314th OG still slightly outscored them.

Down to less than 30 seconds, with the score at 40-36, the 314th OG fouled the 19th CS as they were attempting a three-point shot. The 19th CS made one off the three free-throw shots. Instead of giving up, a 19th CS team member stole the ball and shot a three-pointer in an attempt to tie the game, but he missed the shot. The ball was back in the hands of the 314th OG, and though they looked as if they had this win in the bag, one of their players knocked the ball out of bounds with seven seconds left, once again giving the 19th CS a chance to tie and send the game into overtime. The 19th CS ran the ball down the court, threw the ball up and watched as the ball missed the rim. The 314th OG won the game 40-37.