Hawks thrill fans with buzzer beaters Published Jan. 15, 2009 By John E. Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The Tinker Hawks men's varsity basketball team displayed grit, determination and knack for thrilling the crowd with two last-second victories over the Fort Sill Cannoneers Jan. 10-11 in Southwest Military League action at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center. In the first game, the teams traded the lead throughout the contest. With 1 second left on the clock and the Hawks trailing by one point, guard DeMand Penman got free at the right baseline after receiving a pass from forward DeMarcus West and drilled a three-pointer to give the Hawks an exciting 95-93 win. "Wow, that was a nail biter, I do not know if my blood pressure can stand many of these types of games," said Clarence Griffin, Hawks head coach. Forward Kirk Sheppard led the Hawks in scoring. He poured in 23 points while snaring 14 rebounds. The Hawks had a replay on Jan. 11 as they again sent the fans home happy with a last second 75-73 win. This victory was more of a challenge for the Hawks as they rallied from a 15-point deficit in the second half. The hero of game two was reserve forward Phil Hawthorne, who drained a three-point field goal with 5 seconds remaining to secure the win. "Those types of victories don't happen like that game after game," said Sheppard. The Hawks were led in scoring by guard Derron Arnold and Penman, who each tallied 18 points.