Gym Rats put the SHO on ice Published Feb. 19, 2010 By John Stuart Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In the classic matchup between good and evil, it was the darkly-clad team -- seemingly evil -- that ruled the court Tuesday night. If the flag football championships of last December were any indicator of things to come, then the title-holding Gym Rats could be riding high going into the intramural basketball playoffs. They certainly showed they're a team to beat Feb. 16, as they topped the SHO 51-37. Both teams came out strong and played tight defense, keeping the score close throughout most of the first half. With nine minutes to play it was tied at 7-7, but the SHO then managed to build a several point lead. While both teams struggled with turnovers, the Gym Rats later came alive on both sides of the ball, shutting down the SHO's offense with solid man coverage and climbed back into the running. With 45 seconds left they took the lead and wouldn't give it up. Continuing the rally, the Gym Rats came out clicking on offense in the second half. Three pointers were in quick supply from guard DJ Lemons as he sank three in the first five minutes. The Gym Rats were cashing in on the perimeter and with the aggressive inside play of Oddie Bunch, the SHO wasn't getting the stops they needed. With 8:30 remaining the Gym Rats led 32-23, a margin they would only build on toward the end, bending the SHO to their will. The SHO faced several scoring droughts as the Gym Rats defense tightened up. Turnovers were the Gym Rats for the picking, and they capitalized on breakaway plays leading to the 51-37 finish. The SHO was missing several key players to injury Tuesday night. This could hurt their chances going into the playoffs, which start Feb. 22. Meanwhile, the Gym Rats are building steam in an attempt to claim intramural titles on the gridiron and the hardwood.