Hurricanes Dissipate in Heartbreaking Second Half Comeback, 36-30

 

Nick prepares to pass to Jordan in the post. Left: Allen, Middle: Michael, Right: Chandler.
(Photo courtesy of Dan and Vicki Gonzales)



Saturday, January 29^th – The Hurricanes a sixteen point third quarter deficit to pull within four points of Team 5 on Saturday, before falling shy of victory in a game that ended with a score of 36-30.

Sporting two 6 footers at center, Team 5 hit the floor running and proficiently executing an effective passing game, utilizing the low post position to account for 8 of their first 12 points. Initially it appeared as if the Hurricanes would not be able to stop the bleeding.  But a time out makes all the difference, and once Hurricane Center Carlos figured out the most effective positioning against the bigger opposing centers, Team 5’s task became much more challenging.



Nick works the ball inside. Far left: Chandler, Middle: Jordan,
Right: Michael.
(Photo courtesy of Dan and Vicki Gonazales)



Early on Daniel set the tone with a key rebound and steal, while Conrad and Patrick teamed up to chip away at the opposing defense.  The first squad shots did not seem to be dropping in, however, and as the first quarter ended, the scorecard marked a 12 to 8 lead in favor of Team 5.

With the exception of a sweet jump shot by Nick in the second quarter, the Hurricanes’ cold streak continued, making only 1 of 13 shots the floor. Were it not for the extreme hustle on defense, the Hurricanes would have been even further behind than the 22 to 10 halftime score indicated.

In the second half, it became anybody’s game, as the Hurricanes valiantly fought back,

With Nick pouring in four more points and Michael hitting a shot from just inside the three point line, while Allen pounded away at the opposing defense with quick dribbling drives, and Jordan frustrated the opposing offense with several interrupted passes which he tipped away out of bounds.

The Hurricanes finally found their rhythm in the fourth quarter, cranking up the defensive intensity, and pounding the paint with drives to the hoop.  The fourth quarter squad sank 6 of 11 shots from the field, and 2 of 4 free throws, to pull the game within four points with 2 minutes to go.  Unfortunately, a few too many Hurricane turnovers in the remaining minutes combined with Team 5’s total of 4 fourth quarter points, was enough to barely eek out a victory for Team 5.



Michael sets a screen for Nick to fire off two of his six points. 
(Photo courtesy of Dan and Vicki Gonzales)



Offensively for the Hurricanes, turnovers and offensive rebounds continue to be areas for improvement, as well as developing an inside game.

Defensively, positioning oneself between the opponent and the basket will be key to preventing easy inside jumpshots, layups, and rebounds by the opponents.

Overall, this was a very strong Hurricane effort, as they tallied up: 30 points, 34 rebounds, 10 steals, 8 assists and 9 blocked shots. The players are getting to know each other better on the court, which is evident in their passing game and increased communication on the floor.  Many exciting games lie ahead.

The next opponent is Team 1 on Saturday, February 5^th, at 9AM.