VQ-7 upsets MXS 1

In the last week of regular season intramural hoops, the Navy’s VQ-7 topped MXS 1, 59-51.

The first half showed no considerably dominant play by either squad, but the Navy picked up the pace and momentum in the last few minutes before the buzzer.

The maintenance squadron had the first possession, hitting six points before the Navy countered. In the first 10 minutes, the ball was down both ends of the courts in routine play, posting only 31 points collectively. MXS had a couple consecutive drives including threes outside the key and buckets in the paint to put their squad up 24-15 with 3:28 remaining.

After a bit of regrouping, VQ-7 got hot, scoring 11 points in three minutes. Meanwhile, the maintainers recorded zero until the very last play of the half, Campbell put in a layup. The score was 28-26 favoring the Navy at half.

Both teams appreciated the halftime break, considering neither had the luxury of resting their legs with substitutions. The energy however, began to shift towards the referees and there were various stoppages to counter arguments of fair and unfair calls.

MXS again had the first possession of the half, driving down for a quick two points. VQ-7’s Pepe, who ended with 20 points, responded with a layup. Getting fouled mid-shot, the and-one resulted in an automatic free throw for the Navy. A missed opportunity gave the ball back to MXS who took the ball down for two.

Both squads put up a fair share of 3-pointers, raising the score and the stakes, as the lower-ranked Navy side held the lead over the maintainers. MXS had their opportunity to close that gap, in spite of the excessive fouling that occurred in the final few minutes of the game. VQ-7 missed consecutive shots from the line, but MXS failed to sustain their strength on offense.

The Navy’s Hanks put up 20 points to share the leading scorer title with teammate Pepe, and MXS had 20 and 14 points from Wright and Williams respectively. The refs were relieved to blow the final whistle, putting VQ-7 on top, 59-51.