TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- 72nd OSS’s scoring bounced back in the second half, but the turnaround wasn’t enough to overcome Contracting’s nearly all-game lead.
Contracting, comprised mostly of individuals from the intramural basketball league’s player pool, nonetheless gelled solidly as a team to win 45-35 on Dec. 15.
Contracting built a widening lead in the first six minutes of the of 16-minute half, prompting OSS to call a timeout with a 16-9 deficit.
Upon the return, 72nd’s David Kopec contributed an early 3-pointer to narrow the scoring gap. Contracting, however, kept hitting unanswered baskets as the minutes ticked off. OSS called a second timeout when their opponent’s margin grew to the game’s widest – 15 points at 27-12.
With under 2 minutes in the half, OSS added a basket and the teams hit the benches 27-14.
Floyd Paschall (15 points and the game’s scoring leader) dropped a trey for Contracting early in the second half, one of three for him in the game.
After a scoring drought, OSS’s Colbie Woodberry intercepted a pass and tossed it to Timothy Cole for two. Woodberry hit for 12 points total to lead OSS scoring.
Offense was good for both teams in the next four minutes as Paschall hit another 3-pointer, Contracting’s Jordan Pina scored with a breakaway layup and OSS’s Cole and another teammate each sank shots beyond the arc. OSS trailed 39-28 with 4:50 left.
Contracting’s Steven Dorsey snagged a steal and dribbled down-court for a slam dunk, answered by a 3-pointer by OSS’s Cole.
In the last minutes, OSS trailed by 10 points, 43-33. Each team logged one more basket to finish 45-35.