LRS comes back for the win

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bryan Crane
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  After a two-week break for the holidays, the sound of basketballs bouncing off the hardwood floor could be heard once again as the intramural basketball season resumed Jan. 10.

The 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron wasted no time earning their first victory after the break, completing a 54-49 come-back win over the 509th Aircraft Maintenance B-team.

AMXS-B came out firing to start the game. With great ball movement, they opened up an early 11-3 lead on LRS. Foul trouble for LRS kept AMXS-B on an early roll; however, LRS stayed in the fight, keeping within striking distance and ending the quarter down only 15-8.

Maintenance opened the second quarter on fire. Shaun Hardy, AMXS-B team member, hit a three-pointer to open up the half, and his teammates followed with two more open baskets from behind the arc to expand their lead to 21-12 early in the quarter.

However, a fast start by AMXS-B soon slowed due to bad passing decisions and missed shots. LRS took advantage of these miscues to mount their comeback. Near the end of the half, a big offensive rebound and a put-back bucket allowed LRS to cut the deficit to 3 and finish out the half down 23-20.

"We seemed to be getting beat down early," said Michael Evseff, 509th LRS intramural basketball team point guard. "We fought back, though, knowing we had the talent to still win."

LRS jumped out with a quick three-pointer to begin the second half, tying the game. Several subsequent steals led to more points for the squad. AMXS-B, however, failed to match their early first-half performance, committing several turnovers and missing shots.

Near the end of the third quarter, LRS held a 30-25 lead. AMXS-B cut it to 30-29 before LRS came right back with another three, ending the third quarter ahead 33-29. AMXS-B would not get within four points the rest of the game.

LRS came out in the fourth looking to finish off the comeback. Lead by Evseff and Daniell Branch, LRS played shut-down defense and hit their foul shots down the stretch. LRS would end every threat AMXS-B had by hitting clutch free throws, and closed out the comeback, 54-49.

"Free throws are always key," Evseff said. "A lot of teams allow comebacks by missing these opportunities, but we weren't going to let that happen to us tonight."
Evseff and the rest of the team are looking forward to the rest of the season and a potential playoff run.

"Our first step is making the playoffs, and then we think we are good enough to make a strong run at the championship," Evseff said.

Fans are welcome to come out and cheer on their squadrons as they pursue a championship season. All intramural basketball games will be played at the Fitness Center in the back basketball court, Monday through Thursday. Contact the Fitness Center at 687-5496 for further scheduling details.