Rams win last home game in final minute

Maricopa’s basketball team made it a game the graduating seniors will likely always remember, beating the Globe Tigers in the final seconds of the game 54-51.

Going into the game the Rams and Tigers were tied in league play for third place and in their last meeting Maricopa handed Globe a 20-point loss.

The Rams took an early lead scoring four points within the first two minutes of the quarter and increased their lead to 8 by the end of the first period. In the second quarter the Tigers allowed the Rams only six more points while scoring 14 of their own to bring the score to 23-23 going into the half. Maricopa struggled with three point shots all night causing the low score in the second half.

Maricopa gained the lead back in the third quarter and accumulated a seven-point lead with two minutes left. But the Tigers did not give up and scored nine points, including a lay-up at the buzzer to grab the lead at 41-39.

In the final period the Rams scored on their first possession to tie the game at 41. After trading baskets Maricopa managed to grab 5 unanswered points courtesy of a three point shot by Cullen Teller and two free throws from Justin Zabawa to put them up 48-43 with four and a half minutes left. But for the next two minutes the Tigers managed eight points in a row and took the lead away from the Rams for what would be the last time.

Teller was fouled and made one of his two free throws to bring the Rams within two and only 90 seconds left on the clock. Thirty second later Teller stole the ball and took it down court for a lay- up to tie the game at 51. Jewuan Crosby rebounded a missed free throw by the Tigers and passed the ball to Zabawa who sunk a three pointer to give the Rams the lead with just 40 seconds left. Globe called a time out with 16 seconds left, but the break didn’t help. The Tigers missed a shot and Maricopa held on to the ball until the buzzer sounded.

Coach Andy Branchik said the win proved what he has been trying to teach his team.

“They showed that even though they are tired they will not break down and they will knock down a shot or make a big steal,” Branchik said.

Branchik also noted that the team has come together and if they win at Florence on Tuesday should expect a good seed in the playoff tournament.

The win put the Rams in a tie for second place in the 3A South division and a win at Florence could give them sole possession of second if Coolidge loses. Following the Florence game the Rams will start the playoffs Feb. 11.

Before the game, Head Coach Andy Branchik honored his seniors as well as his staff. Justin Zabawa, Will Clemans, Tay Orr and Mike Brown walked to center court with the parents to receive recognition from the fans. Branchik thanked the athletic trainer, his score keeper, and the team’s water boy, fourth grade student R.J. Fawcett who was presented with a basketball signed by the team.

After the game, each member of the team cut of a piece of the net as a keepsake. Branchik noted the game might have been the last played in the gym of the renovations are complete before next year’s season starts.

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