Last Second Thriller

2/8/2023

Back in December on the AWC hardwood, visiting CCA led Derryfield throughout the first three quarters. But the Cougar JVs took control on defense and offense in a game-closing 13-4 run to secure a 46-39 victory.

In the rematch at CCA, Derryfield led most of the game only to have the Eagles soar into the lead late in the fourth quarter. Then with lead changes on almost every possession, Billy Gardner earned the Cougars a thrilling last-second 43-41 victory.

The game had started slowly. Alex Murray netted a 3-pointer from the left wing, and Sam Fazelat hit a foul shot to give the visitors a mere 4-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. Both offenses awakened in the second. Alex dropped two more 3s, and Elias Kanteres hit one. Logan Purvis scored inside. Billy made a driving layup and went 4 for 4 at the foul line, and Derryfield led 21-14 at halftime.

But CCA won the third quarter and trailed just 29-28 entering the fourth. An 8-3 run put the Eagles up 36-32. Two foul shots by Nate Boudreau and one from Sam cut that CCA lead to 36-35. After the teams traded turnovers, Alex hit a 3 from the right wing to pop Derryfield into the lead at 38-36, but his shot was matched by CCA as the home crowd roared and the scoreboard read 39-38 for CCA.

Billy Gardner time. With 0:46 to play, he was fouled and calmly hit both ends of the one-and-one. DS 40 – CCA 39. But again the home team matched the visitors’ challenge. Two foul shots put the Eagles ahead 41-40 with seconds remaining. Billy dribbled up court, cut toward the top of the key, stopped a half step short of the arc, and hit the game-winning 3-pointer with just 4 seconds to play surrounded by three CCA defenders.

Derryfield headed home at 10-1. Alex and Billy led the scorers with 14 and 13 respectively. Logan, Sam and Elias controlled the boards, and Billy, Alex and Nate handled the CCA pressure defense well.

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