Goodricke hold out for victory as race for the title reaches its climax
Goodricke Mixed 19
Halifax Mixed 18
Goodricke triumphed in a close game. Photo: Rob BanksIn a fast-paced match, Goodricke took the early lead and were able to hold off Halifax just long enough to see themselves thrust back to the top flight of the college basketball table.
The early stages of the game belonged to Goodricke, with Jack Kennedy shooting a pair of jump shots for four points and a wide-open three from the side of the D. Halifax seemed to struggle to get into a steady rhythm in the first few minutes, the only basket coming from Fatima Qureshi, who was left wide open for the midrange two. However, once the teams had settled into their stride, the game began to pick up. Lionel Owusu made two huge blocks in the first half, leaving Goodricke to chase the baskets from afar instead of driving to the paint. This paid off, however, when Alex Pienaar came into his own and drained a three-pointer from far outside to take the score to 11 – 4.
An unchallenged drive to the basket from Owusu, followed by a second layup after a tussle in the key, gave him four points in the first half, leaving Goodricke losing shape. However, three minutes from the halftime whistle, Pienaar nailed another three-pointer and Luke Fleet sank a free throw from the foul line for a score of 15-8 at halftime. This gave Goodricke a commanding position after being rocked by Owusu’s excellent play at both the offensive and defensive ends.
Going into the second half, Halifax brought on Fola Malomo, who made an immediate impact, breaking straight to the basket from the start and scoring easy lay-in. This was followed up by a drive straight through the Goodricke guards for another two points.
Halifax were almost within touching distance of the lead when substitute Tom Moore set to drain a mid range jumper. But the shot was rebounded and possession was retained for Goodricke, who brought on Nesaretnam midway through the second half. Much like Malomo earlier, Nesaretnam made an immediate impact, nailing the jump shot under pressure from the Halifax guards to give Goodricke some breathing space.
Holding onto a shaky lead, Goodricke tried to slow play the rest of the match to run the clock down, but ended up on the receiving end of a stunning drive down the left from Malomo. He made a two-pointer and drew the foul for two free throws at the line, only one of which was converted.
After a further charge from Halifax, Goodricke were left with a single minute on the clock and only one point ahead. Despite Goodricke being in possession, the advantage seemed to be with Halifax, who were closely man-marking and causing a lot of problems for the Goodricke attack force. A fumble left Malomo driving for the basket with only seconds to go, but he couldn’t make the jump shot and Goodricke celebrated their tight victory after being pushed to the limit right to the end. Final score 19-18.
Team Line-ups:
Goodricke: Kennedy, Pienaar, Fleet, Johnson, Longworth, Nesaretnam
Halifax: Owusu, Wong, Charlesworth, Moore, Qureshi, Malomo
Player of the Match:
Lionel Owusu (Halifax)
Proved to be the difference between the sides in a game with a lot riding on it.
