Buzzer-beating 40-footer gives Badgers new life
Andrea Carisse
Issue date: 11/27/07 Section: Sports
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Brock scrambled ahead of their opponents to win by a score of 97-91 after two overtime periods.
In the first game of an afternoon double-header, the women's basketball team stepped onto the court with little enthusiasm and lead in their shoes.
The opening quarter was frustrating for the team and fans alike, as time after time, the Badgers' communication would shut down and the Blues would capitalize on Brock's poor passing.
The visitors danced around their opponents and demonstrated their speed and fast-paced style of play.
"I know I go berserk on the bench, but it's all about trying to get them to be better basketball players," Critelli said. Thankfully the forwards persevered in the key and were rewarded with some tight baskets. At the end of 10 minutes, the score read 18-13 in favour of the Blues.
Though Brock's defense and communication seemed to improve in the opening part of the second quarter, unfortunately the score did not. The team's inability to create scoring chances, and at one point failure to beat the shot clock, began to deflate hopes.
However, point guard Dacia O'Sullivan and guard Becky Gallant managed to turn the tables and better the score by several points before the dejected squad headed to the locker room for half time, at which time the Blues led 39-32 after the half.
"We talked about just really working together as a team we really need to stop and think about what needs to get done," Critelli said of the conversation at half.
Whatever was said seemed to work. Less than two minutes into the third quarter, Gallant added three and the Badgers defense made themselves known with tough body contact. With 7:08 remaining, Brock managed to pull ahead by two, making the score 44-42.
Seniors Sharon Hollinshead, Jamie Fong, and Lauren Stewart displayed strong leadership skills and raw talent as the squad fought to stay on top.
Hillary Woodside, who periodically left the game to nurse a minor injury was clearly the most valuable player of the day.
"[My drive comes] from a pure love for basketball. It's usually only an hour and a half of my day, so you might as well give it all while you're out there," said Woodside of her high intensity on the court.
Heading into what fans thought would be the final quarter, the score read 59-55 in Brock's favour. The Blues began to crumble under the obvious pressure and landed two dangerous turnovers into the hands of O'Sullivan who quickly escaped for the net but failed to capitalize.
A number of controversial fouls were called on a relentless Gallant, which produced eight singles for the Blues and a tied score of 74-74 at the end of regulation.
Before the first overtime period began, the stands of the gym steadily filled with fans coming to watch the delayed men's basketball game. A cheering section, whose shirts read 'Isaac's Army', revved up the crowd with their boisterous drums, clappers and horns.
The Badgers jumped back into play with a vengeance making sure their rivals did not get more than a few points ahead.
With less than five seconds to go and Brock down by three points, fans began to gather their things and head to the exits. But before they could go too far, Hollinshead got possession of the ball five feet within Toronto's end and launched it in the air at the same time the buzzer sounded. Miraculously, her shot swished through the mesh and the crowd exploded with excitement. At the end of five minutes of overtime the scoreboard read 87-87.
"I think Sharon Hollinshead's shot was amazing, and I'm just so happy about that," said Woodside of her favourite moment of the game.
With hearts pounding and nerves jittering, the second period seemed like an eternity. The Badgers tightened their defense and used their heads to create opportunities and draw fouls.
Fong and Woodside had the magic touch, as every shot seemed to produce points, bringing the tally to 93-89 with 1:35 left.
Brock was not willing to surrender the lead and maintained possession before adding a few more to take the game by a final score of 97-91.
"We made some really silly mistakes all through this game, from not kicking the ball out to fouling, and then we made up for our mistakes in sheer determination and hustle," Critelli said in summary of the game.
Before breaking for the holidays, when the team will meet for some relaxed, enjoyable pick-up games, the Badgers are set to face the Carleton Ravens on Nov. 30 and the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Dec. 1.
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