We kicked off the Champaign Central 8-team tourney by squaring off against Urbana. We were ranked #3, but coincidentally due to a weather cancellation Urbana had been our most recent opponent in conference play as well. And they dealt us our worst defeat of the season, a 17-point drubbing on the strength of 22 3rd quarter points.
I missed that game, but I picked a great one to be at this time. We made some starting lineup shifts that put a cool-headed group on the floor. We patiently passed the ball around and inside. We scrapped around the basket, grabbed offensive boards, and put them in the hole.
Yet, we were losing for 2/3 of the game, including heading into the final quarter. The three-point deficit stayed that way even until the final minute. That's when Zane Noonan stepped up and, after the lead was cut to two, drilled two clutch free throws with just over half a minute left. Seconds later, he stole a pass into the low post. Finally, after a time out, he drove the baseline and scooped a shot with just enough oomph to make it into the hoop. Three seconds later we were the highest remaining seed in the tournament, with the top two having each lost their games.
From the bench it was great to see the demeanor of the team remain poised. Two of our most disruptive players were not in the gym, a great message of team chemistry to the rest. Players held their ground defensively, boxed out well. Talked strategy on the bench. And of course, delivered when they had to.
Next weekend are the final two rounds, at 11:00 and 2:30/4:30 depending on the result of the first game. We'll see how far our newfound depth and teamwork can take us!
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