By Matt Fulkerson/sports editor
March Madness began March 1 on SE Campus with the 5-on-5 basketball tournament.
Murderfield Mafia upset the Star Shooters, 41-40. TCC Squad scraped by Flappybirds, 43-42. We Trash defeated Triple D All-Stars, 41-32. Unknown was a no-show and forfeited its game to the Mavericks. Just Don’t beat back the Free Agents, 45-32, and We Trash held off Free Ballers, 55-37.
SE physical education instructor Shahzad Nazir said he wants to highlight the athletic talent on campus and revitalize the tournament-style competition on campus.
“When I was a student at TCC, the basketball tournament was really popular,” he said. “When I restarted the tournament here a few years ago, we only had 21 players. This year, we have 91.”
The tournament kicked off with an upset as the Star Shooters held on to their lead for most of the game.
With only seconds to spare and down by two points, Murderfield Mafia snagged a 3-point shot and walked away the victor.
In its two games of the day, We Trash came on to the court with strong offensive and defensive plays.
“To be honest, we’re the best players out here,” said Terrell Coleman of We Trash. “We’ve all played together before in school and recreation ball.”
Things were looking pretty good for Michael Hoppe and the Free Agents as they ended the first half of their game against Just Don’t. The team was down by four points and entered the second half with a new plan.
“We have to step up our defense and stop trying to make those long shots,” Hoppe said.
Despite a strong push from Emelio Vazquez, the team never could make up its point difference.
The tournament continues with games starting at 9 a.m. every Saturday throughout March.
