FSS wins intramural basketball championship

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bryan Crane
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 509th Force Support Squadron and 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron B-squad squared up for the 2010-2011 intramural basketball league championship at the fitness center Jan. 30. Each team was well represented by their fans who nearly filled the gym and helped provide each team with extra motivation. AMXS made a game out of it with an exciting ending, but ultimately came up.

The first quarter started off even with both teams opening with strong defense. As the teams calmed down more scoring occurred. FSS finished the first quarter strong lead at the 14-9.

AMXS came out in the second on a mission to not let FSS run away with the win. Great ball movement led to open shoot for AMXS allowing them to close the gap. Both teams did a good job working inside the paint which proved to be an effective strategy. FSS ended the quarter on a big play after an AMXS offensive rebound was tipped out of the arc and FSS hit a three to get the crowd back in the game. The first half ended with AMXS gaining a lot of momentum and cutting FSS's lead 24-22.

The second half began with AMXS jumping out and scoring fast. A clutch three pointer gave AMXS the early lead and all the momentum. FSS continued to battle by getting offensive rebound but failed to finish inside the paint and AMXS couldn't capitalize on the chance. FSS stayed in it with their tough defense, with 1:20 left in the third quarter they completed a crucial three point play to tie the game, ultimately finishing the quarter still ahead with a 30-28 lead.

FSS came into the final quarter of the season wanting a championship, and it showed as they started off on fire hitting multiple shots including an impressive three pointer to widen the lead up to 37-30. FSS continued the surge behind a loud fan base with a couple of quick fast break points and held a commanding 41-30.

As the game closed to its final minute it seemed as FSS was going to walk away with the victory forcing AMXS to foul to try to keep the chances alive just a little bit longer. FSS, with the chance to close the game, started to miss free throws and with some bad fouls, gave AMXS a chance in the final seconds as the lead was cut 47-42 with 8.5 seconds left and at the free throw line. After the missed free throw, AMXS made a huge offensive rebound by hitting a three pointer with four seconds left and the crowd went wild. However, the clock continued to run and AMXS was unable to call a time out. The clock expired on their comeback effort and FSS walked away with the championship trophy by the final score of 47-45.