LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
The 149th Air National Guard barely escaped with a victory, beating the Cryptologic Systems Group on Dec. 11, 30-29.
149th ANG was clinging to a two-point lead with five seconds left in the game when shooting guard Eric Garza dove into CPSG point guard Jeff Bruce in an attempt to force a steal. Garza was whistled for the foul, putting Bruce on the line for a 1-and-1 free throw situation. Bruce sank the first free throw, but missed the second, preserving the win for 149th ANG.
Both teams started the game slow, but 149th ANG managed to take a 13-10 lead into halftime.
Each time that 149th ANG seemed to be pulling away, CPSG guard Jay Winsow hit a big 3-point shot that put them right back in it.
Garza's play proved to be the difference throughout the game, as he paced the team with timely shooting and pin-point passing. He finished with 12 points, including his team's final four points..
CPSG forward Tino Boiley finished with 11 points, while Bruce and Winsow each scored seven points.