It was back to basketball action for UTC today, and we were up against another school from our Trust... The Howard!
The game started, and it was The Howard who scored first, but we quickly replied and this set the pace for the first quarter. As soon as one team went in front, the other team replied. At the end of a really good first quarter, WUTC found themselves 3 points behind.
A quick team chat and a little shuffle round by Malachi before the second quarter. We found ourselves 22 - 20 behind with the referee counting down...
"5!" Sam takes a long shot - he's never going to make it
"4!" Malachi sprints underneath to catch it
"3!" Malachi catches the ball and goes for the layup
"2!" The ball is in the air
"1!" SCORED! 22 - 22 at half-time. WHAT A GAME!
Third quarter started slow for us and The Howard took a big lead, but something then clicked and WUTC started hitting back. We found ourselves 4 points behind with one quarter to go. This showed the grit and determination to never give up by the team.
The final quarter was intense... The Howard scored some early baskets and found themselves 42 - 33 in front. Was this to be game over? WUTC showed they were not done yet, and with 30 seconds left on the clock, had got it back to 42 - 42. WOW this was tense! 30 seconds to go - WUTC break with the ball, go for a layup... and miss! The Howard break, go for a layup... and SCORE! 44 - 42 to The Howard.
WUTC commit foul-play and lose possession of the ball. Captain Malachi looks at me and says "Sir, if I score a 3 pointer we win, yes?" I nod whilst praying in my head that this happens. The Howard start with the ball... The referee is now counting down from 15. We manage to nick the ball from The Howard, sprinting towards the hoop. The referee is now at 10, 9, 8... We go for the lay up.... and MISS! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! The Howard grab the ball and hold onto it for the final 5 seconds. Final score: The Howard 44 - WUTC 42!
A special mention to Taylor who I thought had a fantastic game today.
A Disappointing loss, but what a great game between our two Trust schools. Two fixtures remain for us and if we play like we have been, then I am sure we will be back to our winning ways.