| Game goes down to the wire as Asr and Ma置n combine for a tight thriller |
Jun 13, 2006 |
This game had no impact on the standings as neither team could change their position going into the playoffs. That being said pride between old foes was on the line and both squads wanted to enter the playoffs on a winning note.
The game started with Ma置n taking an early lead as Aamir Zafar drained a pair of three痴 and Ma置n moved the ball well around the perimetre before posting up Mike Jacobs for points down low. Asr responded with Reza Mohammed draining a pair of three痴 to bring his team back and the teams continued to trade baskets. Asr called for a timeout with 4:09 left and down 26-19. and when the first half ended it was Ma置n up 30-25. Mohammed led Asr with 10 points while Deklon Roberts led Ma置n with 11 points and was supported by Jacobs with 8 points and 9 rebounds.
The second half saw Asr close the gap and eventually take the lead as Shameel Mehdi drained a trio of three-pointers. Ma置n managed to keep pace as Jacobs was a force down low grabbing rebounds on both ends of the court. With three minutes left in the game Ali Merali fouled out and the score tied at 54 apiece. Asr managed to build a 60-55 lead and Ma置n called a timeout with 1:05 left as they tried to draw up a play to close the gap. After some quick passes around the top, Adil Daudi found himself open and drained a three to make it a 60-58 game, Sufian Hamid stole the inbounds pass and fed Jacobs for a lay-up to tie the game. After another Asr turnover Daudi found himself in the corner with the ball but threw an off balance three which airballed. Asr got the ball back with three seconds left but elected to play it safe and take the game to overtime.
In overtime the teams traded baskets but neither team able to break away and the game ended in a tie at 65. Mohammed led Asr with 24 points, highlighted by 4 for 5 shooting from three-point land. Ma置n was led by Roberts with 24 points and got another huge game from Jacobs who finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds and some great work defensively to hold Ahsan Reza to 12 points.
Both teams will be in action next week for the first round of the playoffs as Ma置n will face Kursi while Asr will meet Qadr.
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