Hunter's cluch shot tops Golden Grizzlies
Jason Nevel
Issue date: 2/9/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
|
Senior guard Sammy Hunter, who finished the game with 15 points, made the game-winning basket to give the Leathernecks a one-point victory over Mid-Continent Conference leader Oakland University, 64-63 Thursday night.
Hunter drove to the basket, made his shot and was fouled. He then converted the old-fashioned three-point play with 2.4 seconds left on the clock.
"We knew the basketball gods would eventually come our way, and we'd start winning a few," said coach Derek Thomas. "(Hunter) was able to (get to the basket) and got fouled and made the free throw."
The Leathernecks (6-19, 2-8 Mid-Con) have now won two of the last three games. The other conference win came against Centenary on Feb. 1.
"Winning a game at Centenary might have been more of a turning point," Thomas said. "I think (winning this game) just adds momentum."
In the first half, both teams battled back and forth. Western tied the game at the 4:28 mark after a Troy Okeson three-pointer. Oakland took a 36-35 lead into the locker room at the half.
Thomas said he knew the first few minutes of the second half would be crucial, and they were.
Western built a six-point lead five minutes in on 7-for-8 shooting. Junior forward Jerryck Owens-Murrey scored eight of the team's first 14 points in the period.
"(Owens-Murrey) had a good game, and they had trouble matching up with him on the block," Thomas said.
Owens-Murrey finished behind Hunter with 14 points.
Oakland countered and eventually regained the lead only to give it up on the last basket of the game.
The 'Necks will look for back-to-back wins Saturday in Indianapolis when they take on IUPUI at 6 p.m.
Be the first to comment on this story