LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
The Lackland intramural basketball postseason tournament began Feb. 26 with Radiology beating 314th Military Battalion 33-29 in a close contest.
Clinging to a three-point lead, Radiology small forward James Watkins blocked 314th MI Bn small forward Michael Howard on a lay up with 1:30 remaining in the game.
Radiology regained possession and was immediately fouled. Center Isaac Salazar made one free throw, sealing the game for Radiology.
This year the intramural office implemented new rules for the postseason. This year the tournament is single elimination.
In addition, the second half is now 20 minutes long, with a running clock.
Before, the second half was 18 minutes long, and the clock would stop on all dead ball situations.
The new rule greatly affected 314th MI Bn's chances of winning the game.
Radiology jumped to an early 8-2 lead with excellent ball movement.
Power forward Bob Andrews passed to shooting guard Ray Valentin, who made a great pass to Salazar.
Radiology's precision passing forced 314th MI Bn to switch to a man-to-man defense, which they did not seem very comfortable applying.
Andrews' and Salazar's sizes caused the 314th MI Bn numerous problems.
Salazar finished the game with 14 points; several of them came on second-chance opportunities.
Salazar also grabbed seven rebounds.
Andrews scored seven points, including a nifty fade away jumper with eight minutes remaining in the first half.
Radiology led 22-13 at the end of the first half.
In the second half, 314th MI Bn came out with an aggressive full-court press.
The press forced numerous turnovers and allowed them to get back into the game.
With 15 minutes left in the half, Radiology was clinging to a 25-21 lead.
Both teams went scoreless for almost five minutes before Salazar scored a basket, breaking the drought.
314th MI Bn small forward Jason Shade scored nine points, while small forward Terry Daniel chipped in seven points.