Mens' BBall pulls to .500 on the season
William Murrell
Issue date: 11/25/08 Section: Sports
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Beginning with Rochester College, the Wolves had everyone at the edge of their seats and holding their breath before escaping with a 57-55 victory over the Warriors, at home Tuesday night.
In the first half, it was evident both teams were going to "fight to the death" when great intensity caused scoring to become a problem. The Wolves played excellent defense, and so did the Warriors, by refusing to let one another establish a consistent offensive flow.
With eight minutes left in the first half, the Wolves established a scoring run led by Joe Cromartie, which netted the score at 13-8. Eventually, the Warriors tied the game at 13-13, until another small Wolves run set the score at 24-18 heading into halftime.
In the second half, the Wolves came out on fire. They went on an 8-0 scoring run that gave them their biggest lead of the game by 12. Then Warriors forward, DeWayne Watkins began scoring in the post and it became difficult for the Wolves to stop him.
Using Watkins allowed to Warriors to spark a 7-0 run, which tied the score 38-38 at the ten minute mark. From then on, both teams traded baskets until the Wolves had a six-point lead with one minute left. But, the Warriors fought back. They forced two Wolves' turnovers and were down 57-55 with possession of the ball and seven seconds left in regulation.
After the Warriors missed two potential game winners, the Wolves were able to exhale in spite of their two-point victory.
"We cannot put ourselves in that position," said head coach Vincent Turner of the Wolves.
Guard, Thomas Johnson led the way with 18 points for the Wolves.
Next, the Wolves traveled to Wilberforce University in Ohio and left with a 61-57 victory behind a great defensive turn-around, Saturday afternoon.
The first half began as it usually does for the Wolves, playing a step under their potential before realizing that they have a considerable amount of firepower to unleash. But, in another regard, their ability to rebound proved worthwhile. Shane De'Nooijer led the way with 16 rebounds of his own.
At the end of the first half, the Wolves were down 30-23 and not counting themselves out of a win just yet.
In the second half, their defensive intensity picked up as the Wolves began forcing Wilberforce to turn the ball over by taking charges. They also were successful from behind the three-point line.
"If we continue working hard and believing in the system our team will go far," commented Turner.
The Wolves will host the Mustangs of Marygrove College on Dec. 3 at 7:30pm, where they will look to extending their win streak to four.
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