NE basketball tournament continues, end draws near

By  Matt Fulkerson/sports editor

Jason Floyd/The Collegian  Brett Lewis, a member of the Buckets, gets ready to pass Thao Nguyen during the NE Campus basketball tournament Feb. 21.
Jason Floyd/The Collegian Brett Lewis, a member of the Buckets, gets ready to pass Thao Nguyen during the NE Campus basketball tournament Feb. 21.

The NE Campus basketball tournament continued Feb. 21 with five teams making the last push toward the finals.

The Buckets defeated AZN Rebels, 33-26. WLM fought off the Buckets, 50-37, and Unknown overcame Scottie, 61-53.

The first game of the day featured Brett Lewis and the Buckets taking on the Rebels.

During the first few minutes of the game, both teams traded points back and forth, but by the end of the first half, the Buckets managed an 8-point lead.

Lewis credited teamwork and fundamentals to his players’ success on the court.

“Being on the same page and playing good defense are definitely what’s keeping us ahead,” he said.

The Rebels attempted to make an offensive push in the second half, but they could never overcome the point deficit, giving the Buckets a 61-55 win.

Coming directly off their victory, the Buckets went up against WLM and by halftime were down by 14 points.

The Buckets fought hard, but in the end, WLM walked away the victors, 50-37.

In the final and most tense game of the day, Scottie faced off against Unknown.

Scottie started off the first few minutes of the game with a string of points, leaving Unknown trailing.

Quickly pulling together, Unknown made up the difference and ended the first half with a 16-point lead.

Scottie attempted to regain the difference, but at their closest remained four points behind.

In the end, Unknown left the court with a 61-53 win.

The final round of games for the tournament are Feb. 28 in the gym, and students are encouraged to watch.