From TGI Reports – Outside shooting keys title victory It had to do it the hard way. But it did it, nonetheless. In Tuesday’s championship evening of the County of Kaua’i open basketball league, the Lizard Lounge emerged victorious over
From TGI Reports –
Outside shooting keys title victory
It had to do it the hard way. But it did it, nonetheless.
In Tuesday’s championship evening of the County of Kaua’i open basketball league, the Lizard Lounge emerged victorious over defending champion Matais, 72-68.
In the double-elimination format, Matais needed to beat the Lounge twice to claim its second title in as many leagues.
The first game was a breeze. Matais jumped out to a 25-2 lead before cruising to a 84-47 win. The second contest, however, better suited what a championship game should be.
In an impressive re-grouping effort, Lizard Lounge found its stroke from the 3-point line, jumping out to an early lead. Against the Matais zone defense, center Art Hernandez continually fielded the ball at the free throw line, turned and fired an on-target pass to shooters Bryan Taylor and Stephen Pascua who waited on the wings.
The Lounge built its lead to 33-25 at halftime.
But Matais, behind point-guard penetration and the hot hand of Kelii Bandman, charged back in the third quarter, slicing the Lizard’s lead to two heading into the final frame. Matais pulled even several times in the fourth, the final being at 49-49, but could never get over the hump. Lizard Lounge stayed within its offense, worked the Matais defense, and found plenty of holes from which to shoot.
With 70 seconds remaining, Lizard held a 67-60 advantage, and Matais began fouling to put the leaders on the free throw line. The Lounge missed a couple of one-and-one front ends, allowing Matais to push the ball up the floor, where Chad Gummerus promptly nailed back-to-back 3s to shrink the lead to 67-66.
But again, Matais could not clear the final hurdle. The Lounge found its stroke from the charity stripe and claimed the championship.
Kuhio Motors finished third in the league. The Red Dirt Boys ended fourth.
Sports editor Jason Gallic at 245-3681 or mailto:kauaisports@pulitzer.net
