LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS –
The 37th Aerospace Medicine Squadron barely escaped with a 50-43 victory over the 343rd Training Squadron in a game that was much closer than the final score indicated on Feb. 11.
37th AMDS scored seven unanswered points in less than 60 seconds to stretch their lead to 11 with one minute remaining in the game.
37th AMDS' scoring run was punctuated by small forward Chris Morris's 3-pointer.
Morris finished the game with 10 points, including the final two points of the game.
However, 343rd TRS responded quickly with their own scoring barrage, scoring seven points in 20 seconds.
343rd TRS capitalized on two steals, converting layups, followed by shooting guard Thomas Hammond connecting on all of his free throws after being fouled while shooting a 3-point shot.
Their run fell short, mainly due to foul trouble, resulting in free throws for 37th AMDS.
After a steal, 343rd TRS had one more chance to push for a comeback with 20 seconds left but turned the ball over on a fast break.
343rd TRS fouled 37th AMDS, but they could only convert one free throw.
Seconds later, 37th AMDS stole the ball back, scored a layup and sealed the victory.
Rebounding kept 343rd TRS in the game, and most of power forward David King's points were the result of second-chance opportunities.
343rd TRS only had five players, and fatigue caused the team to slow down at key moments in the game.
37th AMDS shooting guard Sven Perryman provided his team with their first lead in the game by making one of his several off-balance fade-away jumpers, giving his team a 13-12 advantage with nine minutes left in the half.
He went into intermission with 13 points and finished with a game-high 15 points. 37th AMDS led 23-22 at halftime.
37th AMDS point guard John Dye paced his team in the second half, slicing his way through the lane for numerous layups and free-throw attempts. Dye finished the game with 11 points.
343rd TRS point guard Mike Cox contributed nine points and small forward Clayton Watson chipped in six points for the game.