By Matt Fulkerson/sports editor
The basketball tournament on NE pressed on with three hard-fought games Feb. 14.
Unknown defeated WLM, 57-42. In its second game, Unknown beat the Buckets, 48-43, and AZN Rebels scraped by Scottie, 54-53.
The situation looked rough for WLM by halftime as Unknown sat with a comfortable lead. Although they made some gains in the second half, it wasn’t enough to pull ahead.
Raymond Watanga of Unknown credited his team’s performance to their friendship.
“It all came down to teamwork and knowing how each other plays,” he said. “We try to get out, have fun and not take it too seriously.”
In their second game of the day, it was clear that while they were having fun, Unknown intended to dominate the court. The team ended the first half with a 29-14 lead over the Buckets.
Unknown’s weapon for the day was Anshuk Thapa, who snagged four 3-point shots before beginning the second half.
“They’re a big team, but we’re beating in speed,” Thapa said. “That and our outside shots are making it hard for them.”
Although the Buckets made a strong push in the final minutes of the game, Unknown maintained its lead.
What at first seemed like an easy win for AZN Rebels turned into the hands-down best game of day.
Throughout the first half, AZN Rebels maintained a sizable lead over Scottie. As the game progressed, Scottie slowly overcame its point deficit.
With three seconds left on the clock and the Rebels ahead, 50-47, James Davenport of Scottie sank a 3-point shot and sent the game into overtime.
As the clock ticked down, Thao Nguyen made a layup, giving the lead back to the Rebels.
Brandon McMillan of Scottie raced down the court and, with 15 seconds left, sank a 3-point shot, giving his team a 1-point lead.
The Rebels returned the ball to Nguyen, and he made a final layup with three seconds left ending the game, 54-53.
The next round of tournament play will take place in the gym 1-4 p.m. Feb. 21.